Lassa Fever Claims 118 Lives in Nigeria Over Last Three Months

Lassa fever has resulted in 118 deaths in Nigeria during the first quarter of this year. Despite public health campaigns, environmental conditions remain poor. The NCDC confirmed 645 cases, with a fatality rate of 18.3%. Over 20 health workers are among those infected, exacerbating issues within treatment facilities.

In Nigeria, Lassa fever has claimed 118 lives in the first quarter of the year, as reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The virus, recognized in 1969, is transmitted by rodents and has a history of causing fatalities, particularly in underserved rural areas due to inadequate food hygiene.

Despite ongoing public health campaigns aimed at improvement, conditions remain largely unchanged, allowing rodents continued access to food and living spaces. Between January and March, a total of 645 confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported, resulting in a fatality rate of 18.3%, according to NCDC Director General Jide Idris.

Nigeria has been experiencing an average of 100 deaths from Lassa fever each quarter in recent years. Idris noted that over 20 health workers have also been affected in five of the 33 impacted states, highlighting a concerning trend. He remarked on the staffing shortages in treatment centers and emphasized that many individuals prefer self-medication over seeking professional medical assistance.

The outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria has resulted in significant mortality, with 118 fatalities recorded in just three months. Persistent environmental health challenges and a low response to effective treatment underscore the urgency for comprehensive public health strategies. Ongoing efforts are necessary to educate the population and improve sanitary conditions to mitigate future outbreaks.

Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com