Lassa fever kills 118 in Nigeria over last three months

Lassa fever has killed 118 people in Nigeria this year. This information comes from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The virus is carried by rodents. It was first recognized in 1969 in Borno state. Over the years, it has caused thousands of deaths, especially in rural areas. Unsanitary food handling contributes to these deaths.

Despite campaigns on prevention, environmental hygiene remains poor. Many impoverished rural Nigerians still struggle to keep rats away from homes and food.

From January to March, there were 645 confirmed cases of Lassa fever. The death toll reached 118, resulting in an 18.3% fatality rate, according to NCDC director Jide Idris.

Nigeria has seen around 100 deaths from Lassa fever each quarter recently. Among the latest cases, over 20 health workers were infected across five states.

Idris noted that treatment centers are facing staffing shortages. Many patients delay seeking medical care and turn to self-medication instead. These unorthodox practices are often ineffective.