By Rebecca Maina
Health experts have emphasised the importance of the One Health approach in preventing and controlling Lassa fever, a deadly viral haemorrhagic disease that continues to affect communities across Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview, Dr Suraj Abdulkarim, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Gombe State Ministry of Health, and Mr Paul Balogun, Project Coordinator of the SUFABEL Community Development Initiative, shared insights on transmission, prevention, and treatment of the disease, stressing the need for an integrated response.
Dr Abdulkarim explained that Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease, meaning it originates from animals and spreads to humans, primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. “Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings where infection control measures are inadequate,” he noted.
He warned that early symptoms such as fever, headache, and weakness often resemble malaria or typhoid, making diagnosis difficult. “Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications, including organ failure, hearing loss, and even death,” he added.
On prevention, Dr Abdulkarim stressed that improving hygiene and rodent control is key to reducing infections. “People must store food properly, cover water sources, and dispose of waste appropriately to prevent rodent infestation,” he advised.
He also highlighted the need for healthcare workers to use protective equipment to prevent hospital-acquired infections. “Strengthening collaboration between public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors will also help control outbreaks before they spread,” he said.
Regarding treatment, Dr Abdulkarim noted that while no widely available vaccine exists, early treatment can significantly improve survival rates.
‘The key to effective treatment is early detection. Late-stage cases are harder to manage, and some survivors experience long-term complications like hearing loss,” he explained.
He also called for increased investment in vaccine research and development, saying, “We need more commitment to finding a permanent solution to this disease.”
On the community level, Mr Balogun underscored the importance of public education in preventing Lassa fever. “Communities must be equipped with knowledge on proper waste disposal, rodent control, and safe food handling to minimise the risk of infection,” he said.
He also called for stronger collaboration between public health authorities, veterinary experts, and environmental agencies. “Beyond community engagement, we need an integrated approach that brings together multiple sectors to ensure a sustainable response,” Balogun stated.
Balogun revealed that SUFABEL, in collaboration with Janna Health Foundation through its COPPER CE project, is championing the inclusion of key community groups in pandemic preparedness and response platforms
“We are working with organisations like the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN), the TB NETWORK, the Association of Civil Society Organizations on Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN), as well as religious and traditional institutions, because they have strong influence and trusted networks within their communities,” he explained.
According to him, integrating these groups into health response platforms will ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information, combat misinformation, and enhance early disease detection.
“By empowering these groups, we create a system where they can quickly identify and report suspected health concerns within their communities,” Balogun noted. “This enables early intervention and helps prevent outbreaks from escalating into public health emergencies.”
He urged government agencies and stakeholders to support civil society efforts in disease prevention, calling for a multi-sectoral approach that integrates public health, community engagement, and policy-driven action.
Both experts agreed that the One Health approach aligns with global efforts to combat infectious diseases by recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
“The key to controlling Lassa fever is breaking the chain of transmission at multiple levels—by reducing human exposure, strengthening healthcare systems, and improving environmental management,” Dr Abdulkarim added.
With the increased risk of outbreaks, particularly in rural areas, experts are calling on the government and stakeholders to support research on Lassa fever vaccines, enhance community engagement, and invest in disease surveillance systems that integrate human and animal health monitoring.
“A multi-sectoral approach remains the most sustainable way to protect lives and prevent future outbreaks,” Balogun concluded.
According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) report for the period from January 13th to 19th, 2025, 10 states have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever across 43 Local Government Areas. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while 23% were reported from seven other states with confirmed cases. Of the 77% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 38%, Edo 22%, and Bauchi 17%. The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years.