Lassa fever Outbreak in Nigeria: How Prepared Are We?

Abstract

Despite the discovery of Lassa fever nearly five decades ago, the disease is still endemic in West Africa. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control's (NCDC) weekly epidemiological report for the first 10 weeks in the year 2018 shows that there were 157 confirmed cases and 56 deaths from Lassa fever outbreak and an upward trend in the case fatality rate in the last three years. This study aims to identify gaps in disease preparedness and propose recommendations in the event of future outbreaks. Some of the notable challenges impeding on preparedness include the annual repeated morbidity and mortality among healthcare workers who cater for infected patients. Furthermore, there is an observed occurrence of epidemics in regions with rocky terrains and environments with rocky terrains. Recommendations for stronger political commitment and the adoption of a one health approach among others were also proposed in order to avert a possible pandemic.