The ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has claimed 22 lives since the beginning of the year, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
In a statement released Wednesday, the NCDC reported that the outbreak has now spread to seven states, with 484 suspected cases identified, of which 143 have been confirmed positive.
Last year, Lassa fever resulted in 190 fatalities across the country, underscoring the severity of the disease. In response, health authorities have approved three drugs to aid in treatment efforts and reduce the outbreak’s impact.
First detected in Nigeria’s Borno State in 1969, Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted to humans through contact with rat feces. The disease can also spread between people, leading to severe and often fatal complications.
The Nigerian government declared a state of emergency over Lassa fever in January 2019, highlighting its recurrent threat in the region.
Health officials are urging the public to exercise vigilance and take preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with rats and other rodents, to curb the spread of the disease.