![Battling Lassa Fever: Protecting Healthcare Heroes, HOTPEN](https://hotpen.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_20240513_180026.jpg)
By Becky Maina, Gombe
Healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to contracting Lassa fever due to their close contact with infected patients.
Consequently, the recent surge in cases affecting healthcare workers underscores the importance of implementing strict infection prevention and control measures within healthcare facilities.
Lassa fever, a severe viral hemorrhagic disease endemic in certain regions, poses a significant risk to frontline health workers, who come into direct contact with infected patients or their contaminated materials.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s latest situation report, as of April 28 2024, during epidemiological week 17, thirty-two healthcare workers were affected by Lassa fever.
This alarming statistics therefore highlights the urgent need for health workers to prioritize their safety and implement standard precautions when dealing with suspected or confirmed cases of the disease.
Some healthcare workers, who pleaded anonymity, attributed the reported cases of infection to challenges in observing standard precautions, especially when attending to emergency cases. “The priority and urgency to save lives sometimes results in the rushed attendance of patients without proper adherence to safety protocols,” they said.
They also noted that the similarity of presentation of various diseases often leads to treating patients without taking necessary precautions.
Furthermore, inadequate provision of basic protective materials in hospitals and improper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are significant issues that need to be addressed to mitigate the risk of infection among healthcare workers.
In response to these challenges, healthcare authorities are urging healthcare workers to remain vigilant and comply with established infection prevention protocols at all times.
Dr. Suraj Abdulkarim of the Gombe State Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of vigilance and compliance among healthcare workers in preventing infections. “All healthcare workers are to remain vigilant and comply with established infection prevention protocols at all times to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the virus,” he stressed.
Dr. Yaluweh Maikenti, a family physician at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, highlighted the crucial role of healthcare workers in managing and containing infectious diseases like Lassa fever. “Adhering to standard precautions such as hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, safe injection practices, and environmental cleaning and disinfection can significantly reduce the risk of transmission,” he explained.
Dr. Dike Victor, a Physician in Abia State, advised maintaining a high index of suspicion for Lassa Fever. “Stay vigilant and consider a diagnosis of Lassa fever when encountering patients presenting with febrile symptoms,” he emphasized.
Collaborative initiatives involving healthcare institutions, government agencies, and public health organizations are essential for preventing the further spread of Lassa fever. Timely reporting of suspected cases, contact tracing, and swift isolation measures are vital components of a comprehensive response strategy.
In conclusion, it is imperative that all frontline staff prioritize their safety by strictly adhering to infection prevention guidelines.
The loss of healthcare workers to outbreaks such as Lassa Fever, poses a significant threat, especially considering the ongoing brain drain in the Nigerian health sector.
Additionally, ensuring the health and well-being of healthcare workers aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) goal three: “Good health and well-being,” which aims to prevent needless suffering from preventable diseases and premature death.
By working together and implementing robust control measures, health workers can effectively combat the spread of this deadly virus within healthcare settings.