13 February, 2026
The Ekiti State Government has issued a fresh Lassa fever advisory to healthcare workers across the state, urging them to maintain a heightened index of suspicion and strictly adhere to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in all health facilities.
In a statement signed by Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, on Friday, the government expressed appreciation for the dedication of healthcare personnel, particularly Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Focal Persons in tertiary, secondary, and primary healthcare facilities
The government also conveyed its sympathy over the recent loss of healthcare workers to Lassa fever in parts of the country.
“Presently, there are no confirmed Lassa fever cases recorded in Ekiti State. However, current surveillance data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicates a concerning increase in Lassa fever infections among healthcare workers in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
According to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, 11 confirmed cases and two deaths among healthcare workers had been recorded as of epidemiological week four (January 2026). Cumulatively, 121 cases and 25 deaths have been confirmed nationwide since January 2026.
Describing the development as a serious public health concern, the Ekiti State Government said it had strengthened its IPC capacity through its dedicated IPC Pillar.
The initiative, it explained, provides updated IPC guidelines to health facilities and holds regular review meetings with IPC Focal Persons to ensure compliance.
The government added, “Personal protective equipment and hand-washing materials are also distributed routinely to health facilities to ensure the safety of our health workers. We now rely on our trained personnel to apply their expertise diligently during this period.”
The government, in collaboration with the NCDC, advised healthcare workers to practice standard precautions at all times when handling patients and body fluids.
It stressed the importance of performing hand hygiene at the five designated moments and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the procedure being performed, irrespective of the provisional diagnosis.
Health workers were also urged to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, noting that not all fevers are malaria-related.
“All suspected malaria cases should be tested using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). When the RDT is negative, other causes of febrile illness, including Lassa fever, should be considered and investigated accordingly. Any febrile illness that has not responded to 48 hours of anti-malaria or antibiotics should raise an index of suspicion for Lassa fever,” the statement emphasized.
In addition, the government called for regular environmental cleaning of hospital premises using appropriate materials and methods, as well as the safe disposal of all healthcare waste.
“Implementing these measures is essential to reducing Lassa fever transmission and safeguarding the lives of healthcare workers,” Mrs Gbenga-Igotun stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to the health and wellbeing of healthcare workers, the Ekiti State government urged medical personnel and residents alike to take personal responsibility in mitigating the outbreak and preventing the spread of Lassa fever within communities and healthcare facilities.
“The Ekiti State Government remains committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of healthcare workers in the state. We urge everyone to take personal responsibility to mitigate the outbreak and spread of Lassa Fever infection within their communities and facilities,” the statement reads.
One Comment
vkq9ja