Upsurge in Lassa fever and meningitis morbidity

NIGERIA is witnessing a surge in the number of Lassa fever and meningitis cases across certain states. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Nigeria recorded 1,035 confirmed cases of Lassa fever out of 8,569 suspected cases, and 174 deaths in 28 states across 129 local government areas as of October 13. This is distressing.

The country also recorded 380 confirmed cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis out of 4,915 suspected cases and 361 deaths in 24 states across 174 LGAs in the 2023/2024 season.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus.

The natural reservoir for the virus is the multimammate rat (also known as the African rat). Other rodents can also act as carriers of the virus.
On the other hand, meningitis is an infection and swelling, called inflammation of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges. The inflammation from meningitis most often triggers symptoms such as headache, fever, and a stiff neck.

The NCDC says the highest burden of meningitis in Nigeria occurs in the ‘Meningitis Belt.’ These are the 19 states in the northern region, the Federal Capital Territory, and some southern states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun.

Lassa fever has continued to remain a national plague.
“Lassa fever disrupts families, livelihoods, and strains our healthcare systems,” Jide Idris, the NCDC Director-General, said. “In 2024 alone, we have seen a worrying increase in cases and deaths from Lassa fever….”

A total of 174 people died from 833 confirmed cases in 2019. In 2020, 244 Nigerians died from 1,189 confirmed cases; 79 died from 418 confirmed cases in 2021.

In 2022, Nigeria reported 1,067 confirmed cases across 27 states and 112 LGAs. In 2023, 28 states and 114 LGAs reported confirmed cases, with 9,155 suspected cases, 1,270 confirmed cases, and 227 deaths.
While both diseases remain public health issues of concern in Nigeria, the truth is both can be prevented.

Nigeria has made strides in expanding access to immunisation programmes in the country. However, there is still a lot to be done to ensure that all Nigerians, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, have access to life-saving vaccines.

The challenge of eradicating these disease burdens is traced to Nigeria’s weak health system. Africa’s most populous country depends heavily on imported vaccines for disease prevention. This was a sore reality during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Besides, medical personnel are in short supply, compounded by their relocation to better pastures overseas. Corruption marred the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Meningitis vaccines from aid organisations were hoarded or sold by unscrupulous public officials.
Therefore, the federal and state governments should revive the health system through adequate funding and resourcefulness. They should attract medical personnel back home. Nigeria should focus on research centres and vaccine production to strengthen routine immunisation programmes. This will improve the vaccine supply chains and ensure children receive essential vaccines.

Government at all levels should deepen their cold chain storage facilities, and increase public awareness about the importance of vaccination, especially as regards the control of meningitis.

For Lassa fever, it is essential preventive measures be put in place against this fatal disease.

The primary source of transmitting the disease to humans should be prevented. This can be possible through avoiding contact with rats – particularly in the geographic areas where outbreaks happen.

Putting food away in rat-proof containers and keeping the home clean can discourage rats from entering your home. Using these rats as a source of food is not recommended. Setting traps around and in homes may help to reduce the rat population.