In Nigeria, 156 people have died in 4 months due to Lassa fever, which is transmitted from animals to humans and can be fatal.
In the last four months, the number of cases recorded as part of the Lassa fever outbreak has steadily increased across Nigeria. According to data from the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), between January 1 and April 28, Lassa fever cases were seen in the country’s capital Abuja and 28 different states.
Among the 857 cases detected in this period, 156 people died. Last year, a total of 1170 cases were recorded and 219 people died. In response to the rising number of cases, the Nigerian government declared a “state of emergency” in the fight against the disease in February 2023.
Lassa fever first emerged in Borno state in northeastern Nigeria in 1969. Transmitted by contact with rat feces, it can also be passed from person to person and can cause fatal hemorrhagic fever. The disease remains a major public health concern in the country and is being closely monitored.
