Deadly Lassa Fever Kills 138 in Nigeria! What Are Symptoms Before These Deaths?
Lassa Fever Death Toll Climbs to 138 in Nigeria, NCDC Reports
Nigeria’s Lassa fever outbreak has claimed 138 lives this year, with 717 confirmed cases across 18 states, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported.
The southern state of Ondo and northern states of Bauchi and Taraba account for 71% of cases, marking persistent hotspots despite nationwide interventions. The case fatality rate has risen to 19.2%, a worrying increase from 2024’s 214 deaths, signaling an alarming public health crisis.
Young adults aged 21-30 are most affected, with a median infection age of 30 and a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8. The NCDC highlighted challenges including poor health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs, and low awareness in high-burden communities.
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To counter the outbreak, the agency has activated a multi-sectoral incident management system to coordinate response efforts.
Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, spreads through contact with contaminated food or items from infected Mastomys rats, endemic in West Africa.
Person-to-person transmission and laboratory infections occur, particularly in healthcare settings lacking infection control. The World Health Organization notes an overall 1% fatality rate, but severe cases requiring hospitalization see rates around 15%.
About 80% of infections are asymptomatic, but one in five cases severely impacts organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Early treatment with rehydration and supportive care is critical for survival.
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