The Role of Ethnography in Outbreak Response: Lessons from Lassa Fever in Nigeria

Ekpenyong Mercy Enoabbassy¹*, Jean Paul Yassa Guilavogui², Nimnan Famak Tyem³ and Umukoro Angel Ivie⁴

¹Department of Public Health, National Open University Nigeria, Nigeria
²Medical Department, Public Health for All Institute, Conakry, Guinea
³London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, Central London, United Kingdom
⁴APIN, Public Health Initiative, Plateau State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Ekpenyong Mercy Enoabbassy, Department of Public Health, National Open University Nigeria, Nigeria.

Received: September 16, 2025; Published: October 31, 2025

Abstract

This review explores ethnography as a valuable tool in public health, using Lassa fever in Nigeria as a case example. It draws on reported experiences from three affected communities—Owo, Irrua, and Abakaliki—to highlight how beliefs, behaviors, and local practices shape people’s response to the disease. The paper reflects on documented accounts involving daily life, informal conversations with residents, and community-level interactions.

Many people interpreted Lassa fever not just as a medical condition, but as a consequence of spiritual forces or broken taboos. This led some to delay hospital visits in favor of traditional healers or prayer houses, while others hid their illness to avoid judgment or social isolation. These behaviors often contributed to late treatment and the continued spread of the virus.

The findings emphasize that public health responses must go beyond clinical care. Understanding local beliefs, building trust, and involving community leaders are essential steps toward effective disease control. By listening to community narratives and integrating cultural perspectives into health strategies, outbreak management can become more inclusive, respectful, and impactful.

 Keywords: Lassa Fever; Ethnography; Nigeria; Public Health; Cultural Beliefs; Disease Response; Community Trust

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Citation

Citation: Ekpenyong Mercy Enoabbassy., et al. “The Role of Ethnography in Outbreak Response: Lessons from Lassa Fever in Nigeria”.Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 9.11 (2025): 79-88.

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Copyright: © 2025 Ekpenyong Mercy Enoabbassy., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.