72 killed in Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria

72 Fatal Lassa Fever Cases Reported in Nigeria

Abuja, Feb 23 (IANS) – Nigeria has reported at least 72 fatal cases of Lassa fever since the beginning of this year. The viral hemorrhagic fever has spread across 21 states, resulting in a total of 411 confirmed cases, according to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

Sixty-five per cent of the total confirmed cases were reported from the three states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi, while 35 per cent were reported from 18 other states, the NCDC said. This marks a significant decrease from the 8,280 suspected cases recorded in the same period in 2023.

The NCDC also reported that two health workers have been affected by the Lassa fever outbreak, with the predominant age group of victims being 21 years and 30 years of age. Lassa fever is a disease spread to humans through food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces. It is reportedly transmitted when saliva, urine, and excreta of rats come into contact with humans.

In 2023, at least 219 deaths were recorded from 1,227 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, according to the NCDC. The public health authorities in Nigeria are taking measures to control the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.

The NCDC’s report serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of Lassa fever in Nigeria and the need for continued vigilance in the face of this deadly disease. The authorities are urging the public to take precautions to avoid contact with rodents and to practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of Lassa fever.

As the situation continues to unfold, health agencies and the government will be closely monitoring and responding to the outbreak to ensure the safety and well-being of the population.

–IANS
int/sha