Nigeria Steps Up Fight Against Lassa Fever Outbreak After 98 Deaths This Year

LAGOS (Reuters) – Nigeria is battling a severe Lassa fever outbreak with 535 confirmed cases and 98 deaths reported across 14 states since the start of this year, an 18.3% case fatality rate. 

Health officials have confirmed that a patient with recent travel history to the United Kingdom died from the disease after returning to Nigeria, prompting contact tracing efforts in both countries.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a renewed advisory urging heightened awareness and preventative measures, especially among healthcare workers and those in or travelling to affected areas. 

The NCDC emphasises that “early presentations to ensure diagnosis and treatment of the diseases can greatly increase the chances of patient survival”. Precautions include avoiding contact with contaminated food, infected persons, and surfaces.

Lassa fever is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or excrement. It can also spread through bodily fluids.

The disease is particularly prevalent in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states. Symptoms include fever, headaches, and, in severe cases, death. 

Nigeria recorded 190 deaths from the disease last year and said it was activating an emergency response centre.

(Reporting by Isaac Anyaogu, editing by Ed Osmond)