Nigeria has mobilized its emergency response centre following the death of 190 people from Lassa fever.
The disease, a viral hemorrhagic illness, has infected 1,154 individuals across six states, sparking widespread concern. Transmission occurs through contact with rodent-contaminated food or household items, officials confirmed.
Dr. Jide Idris, head of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), stated the outbreak is considered high-risk. This has prompted the agency to activate its Emergency Operations Centre for swift containment.
“Lassa fever cases surge between October and May during the dry season, as human exposure to rodents significantly increases,” Idris said in Abuja.
The newly activated centre will coordinate efforts to manage and control the outbreak effectively, ensuring rapid interventions.
Symptoms of Lassa fever include fever, severe headaches, and, in its deadliest form, internal bleeding and organ failure. The virus can also spread between people via bodily fluids.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Lassa fever as a priority disease due to its potential for outbreaks and the absence of an approved vaccine.
With rising cases and fatalities, authorities are urging citizens to prioritize hygiene and reduce rodent exposure. The battle against Lassa fever continues, as Nigeria takes urgent steps to halt its deadly spread.
