Lassa fever, a deadly virus transmitted by rodents, is spreading rapidly in West Africa, with Nigeria reporting a sharp rise in cases. The disease causes severe organ failure and bleeding, with no approved vaccine or rapid diagnostic tests, making treatment difficult. Survivors often face long-term health issues and social stigma.
Nigeria has recorded over 500 cases and 90 deaths since January, with the state of Ondo alone reporting more than 100 cases. Lassa fever, first identified in Nigeria in the 1960s, remains a major health threat in Nigeria, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The virus spreads through multimammate rats, which contaminate food and homes. Rural areas with open doors and poor sanitation are particularly vulnerable.
Michael Olonite, a survivor from Ayede-Ogbese, Nigeria, contracted the disease in 2019. “Lassa fever is like hell on earth,” he said. After recovering, he began educating his community about prevention and hygiene. Despite facing social rejection, he remains committed to raising awareness.
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Experts warn that climate change and urbanization could increase the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Lassa fever as a potential pandemic threat, and countries like the UK and the US have listed it as a high-risk disease.
Professor Sylvanus Okogbenin, a leading Lassa fever expert at Nigeria’s Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, emphasizes the vulnerability of pregnant women and healthcare workers. “Mortality rates can exceed 20% during outbreaks,” he said.
Efforts to develop a vaccine are underway. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has allocated $150 million for clinical trials of six vaccine candidates, with one already being tested in Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia. Nigeria is also strengthening its healthcare infrastructure and training healthcare workers to handle the outbreak.
Grassroots activists like Olonite remain critical in the fight against Lassa fever. “Education can save lives,” Olonite said. “I won’t stop until my community is safe.”
This article is originally published on bbc.com
