EC Microbiology

Systematic Review Volume 21 Issue 9 - 2025

An X-ray of Unabated Prevention and Control of Lassa Fever Epidemic Outbreak in Nigeria: Challenges, Risk Factors, Causes, and Public Health Consequences

Azuonwu O1*, Aloy SC2, VN Agi1, Azike CA1, A Ben-Chioma3, O Ibama3, O Amadi-Wali1, PN Nkemdinum4, TN Aleruchi3, RB Jacob2, IA Mathias-Igoh4, PH Chuku2, LK Giami1, EO Anyalebechi3 and O Chukwuigwe-Igbere2

1Department of Medical Microbiology-Virology, Public Health and Parasitology Unit, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

3Department of Clinical Chemistry, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

4Department of Histopathology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Azuonwu O, Department of Medical Microbiology-Virology, Public Health and Parasitology Unit, Rivers State University, Nkpolu, Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Received: July 24, 2025; Published: August 26, 2025



Introduction: Lassa fever is a major public health concern in Nigeria, and due to the potential for rapid dissemination, strong control and prevention strategies are crucial. The WHO recommends improved food storage, environmental sanitation practices, and early detection and treatment to reduce fatality and improve survival rates. However, despite the implementation of various interventions in Nigeria, the disease remains a persistent threat to public health, and demands urgent attention. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the current epidemiology and risk factors of Lassa fever, as well as the ongoing efforts to prevent and control outbreaks in Nigeria. It highlights the challenges of current prevention and control strategies and identifies crucial areas for improvement.

Materials and Methodology: This is a systematic review that focuses on published research articles about Lassa fever epidemiology in Nigeria and the risk factors contributing to outbreaks. It also reviews the control and prevention measures currently in place and the challenges faced while controlling Lassa fever in Nigeria. Studies reviewed comprise of cross-sectional, prospective, longitudinal and observational studies. The review follows a systematic approach, analyzing peer-reviewed articles and online publications from various databases, using search keywords relevant to Lassa fever.

Results: The findings in this study highlight the endemicity of Lassa fever in various parts of Nigeria, revealing an increasing trend in the number of affected states, suspected cases, confirmed cases, health workers affected, and the case fatality ratio over the years. The study also illustrates how the disease is influenced by factors including temperature, humidity, and seasonality, as well as poor housing conditions, poor sanitation and hygiene, unsafe food processing and storage, hunting and consumption of rodents, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, indiscriminate disposal of hospital waste, and the lack of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. Furthermore, the study highlights the current strategy employed to control, monitor, and manage the ongoing outbreaks in the country. Finally, it pinpoints factors such as poverty, community lifestyle, socio-cultural practices, illiteracy, poor public awareness and education, misdiagnosis, weak healthcare infrastructure, shortage of medical practitioners, government negligence, weak surveillance, lack of proper reporting, and social unrest as key factors that hinder the implementation of control and preventive measures.

Conclusion and Recommendation: Lassa fever in Nigeria continues to resurface, highlighting the limitations of current measures. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach, with sustainable leadership commitment, crucial for strengthening integrated outbreak surveillance and intervention. Also, promoting economic growth, enhancing hygiene, and prioritizing research will play key roles in long-term disease control.

 Keywords: Lassa Fever; Nigeria; Prevention; Control; Outbreak; Public Health Impact

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Azuonwu O., et al. “An X-ray of Unabated Prevention and Control of Lassa Fever Epidemic Outbreak in Nigeria: Challenges, Risk Factors, Causes, and Public Health Consequences”. EC Microbiology  21.9 (2025): 01-22.

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