Lassa fever has claimed 118 lives in Nigeria between January and March this year, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The deadly virus, which is transmitted by rodents, remains a major public health challenge, particularly in rural communities where poor sanitation enables its spread.
Rising Cases Despite Awareness Efforts
Since its first identification in Borno State in 1969, Lassa fever has caused thousands of deaths across Nigeria, especially in areas with inadequate hygiene and food storage practices. Despite ongoing public health campaigns on prevention, many communities still struggle to implement effective measures to keep rodents away from homes and food supplies.
NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, revealed in a statement on Monday that 645 cases were confirmed in the first quarter of 2025, with a fatality rate of 18.3%. The country has consistently recorded around 100 Lassa fever deaths per quarter in recent years.
Health Workers Among Those Infected
The outbreak has also affected medical personnel, with over 20 health workers contracting the virus in five of the 33 affected states. Idris expressed concerns over the growing strain on treatment centers, citing staff shortages and the tendency of many patients to delay seeking medical attention in favor of self-medication or alternative treatments, which often prove ineffective.
Addressing the Crisis
To combat the spread of Lassa fever, health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of environmental hygiene, proper food storage, and early medical intervention. However, without significant improvements in living conditions and access to healthcare, the battle against the virus remains an uphill challenge.
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