Abuja - In Nigeria, vulnerable populations, especially those in underserved communities, remain at high risk of infectious diseases, including Lassa fever—an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. Endemic in Nigeria, Lassa fever continues to affect thousands annually, with the dry season (December–April) being the peak transmission period. In 2024, the disease has been particularly severe, with 1,059 confirmed cases reported across 28 states, resulting in 175 deaths (16.6% case fatality rate). Alarmingly, 35 healthcare workers have been infected during the outbreak, underscoring the urgent need for robust infection prevention measures. The Lassa virus is primarily transmitted to humans through exposure to food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats. Secondary transmission can occur through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, posing significant risks to healthcare and laboratory workers who la...