Nigeria's Lassa Fever Crisis: Urgent Measures and Rising Cases

Nigeria faces a critical Lassa fever outbreak with 535 confirmed cases and 98 deaths across 14 states in the early months of the year. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is intensifying its advisory on preventative measures, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to curb the spread.

Nigeria is in the grip of a severe Lassa fever outbreak, with health officials reporting 535 confirmed cases and 98 deaths across 14 states this year. The situation is compounded by a high case fatality rate of 18.3%.

In a concerning development, a patient who had recently returned from the United Kingdom succumbed to the disease, prompting contact tracing initiatives in both nations. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a fresh advisory, urging increased vigilance and the adoption of preventative measures, particularly among healthcare workers and those travelling to affected regions.

Lassa fever is predominantly transmitted to humans via contact with food or items contaminated with rodent excreta, but it can also spread through bodily fluids. Prevalent in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states, the disease presents with symptoms such as fever and headaches, with severe cases leading to death.

(With inputs from agencies.)