Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria Kills 156 People in Just Over Four Months
17:29 10.05.2024 (Updated: 17:49 10.05.2024)
© AFP 2024 PIUS UTOMI EKPEI
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Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease. Humans are often infected with the virus through contact with food or household objects contaminated with the urine or feces of sick Mastomys rats. The illness is endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, though it may also exist in other West African nations.
In Nigeria, Lassa fever has resulted in the deaths of 156 people over a span of 17 weeks, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported.
The NCDC further stated that the Lassa fever outbreak has spread to 28 states, including the capital Abuja, from January 1 to April 28. The states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi were the hardest hit, accounting for 63% of cases.
The NCDC further stated that the Lassa fever outbreak has spread to 28 states, including the capital Abuja, from January 1 to April 28. The states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi were the hardest hit, accounting for 63% of cases.
According to the statement, a total of 857 confirmed cases were recorded throughout this period. Thus, the mortality rate is 18.2%.
Last year, Nigeria also experienced a "large outbreak" of Lassa fever, as the World Health Organization said. The country documented a total of 1,170 cases of Lassa fever, which led to the loss of 219 lives.
The disease first emerged in Nigeria in 1969 in the northeastern state of Borno.
Last year, Nigeria also experienced a "large outbreak" of Lassa fever, as the World Health Organization said. The country documented a total of 1,170 cases of Lassa fever, which led to the loss of 219 lives.
The disease first emerged in Nigeria in 1969 in the northeastern state of Borno.
