[Correspondence] Lassa fever in Nigeria: the tale of a reactive health system

The World Report by Talha Burki (Feb 24, p 728)1 described an unprecedented astronomical rise in Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, for which the first case was reported in 1969 and the epidemiology and endemicity are well understood. Failure of the Nigerian health system to prioritise preparedness activities has been detrimental for prompt control of Lassa fever, which requires robust laboratory facilities, trained health personnel, and coordinated epidemiological surveillance.2 Therefore, we propose a four-pronged plan to ensure consistent and proactive preventive activities that could ameliorate the high proportion of fatalities and long-term debilitation observed in outbreaks of Lassa fever.
Source: LANCET - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research