By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has issued a public health advisory warning residents to prepare for the 2025/2026 Lassa Fever season across Nigeria.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Dr. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, on Monday.
According to Dr. Abbas, the alert followed a recent advisory from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which cautioned that the risk of Lassa Fever transmission usually increases between October and May — a period historically associated with rising infections nationwide.
He noted that Kano’s environmental conditions and population density, coupled with poor sanitation and unsafe food storage practices, could heighten the risk of Lassa Fever spread if preventive measures are not taken.
“The public should maintain proper hygiene, store food in tightly covered containers to prevent contamination by rodents, dispose of waste properly, and avoid contact with rats or their droppings,” Dr. Abbas said.
He stressed that Lassa Fever can be prevented and effectively treated if detected early, urging health workers across hospitals and health centres to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases while adhering to infection prevention protocols.
As part of its preparedness and response measures, Dr. Abbas disclosed that the Kano State Government had reactivated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to coordinate response efforts, surveillance, and case management.
He said the KNCDC would continue working closely with partners and stakeholders to ensure swift response in case of any outbreak.
Dr. Abbas also appealed to community leaders, media organisations, and civil society groups to support public sensitisation campaigns on Lassa Fever prevention and the importance of timely reporting of suspected cases.
He assured residents that the state government remains fully committed to safeguarding public health and implementing proactive measures to contain the disease throughout the season.