The resurgence of Lassa fever in Nigeria: economic impact, challenges, and strategic public health interventions
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Lassa fever outbreaks are increasing in Nigeria due to environmental and socioeconomic factors. A One Health approach integrating surveillance, rodent control, and healthcare improvements is crucial for mitigation.
Area Of Science
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Science
Background
- Lassa fever is an endemic public health threat in Nigeria, with outbreaks expanding annually across states.
- Recent data shows a significant increase in suspected and confirmed cases and deaths, highlighting an urgent public health crisis.
- Transmission is seasonal, exacerbated by factors like food scarcity driving rodent-human contact.
Purpose Of The Study
- To analyze the multifaceted drivers behind the resurgence of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
- To identify key environmental, socioeconomic, and healthcare system limitations contributing to the disease burden.
- To propose integrated strategies for mitigating future Lassa fever outbreaks.
Main Methods
- Review of epidemiological data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
- Analysis of environmental factors, including climate change impacts on rodent populations.
- Assessment of socioeconomic determinants and healthcare system constraints.
Main Results
- Lassa fever has spread to 34 out of 37 states between 2018-2023.
- A case fatality rate of 18.3% was observed in early 2025, indicating high mortality.
- Climate change, poverty, poor sanitation, and urban expansion are identified as key drivers of increased rodent-human interaction and disease transmission.
Conclusions
- Nigeria faces a persistent Lassa fever challenge driven by complex environmental, socioeconomic, and systemic factors.
- A multifaceted strategy is essential, including enhanced surveillance, rodent and waste management, and policy implementation.
- Adopting an integrated One Health approach is vital for effective disease control, reducing mortality, and alleviating economic impacts.
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