The number of deaths due to Lassa fever, which is transmitted from animals to humans, has reached 190 in Nigeria this year.
“Elchi” reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) stated that Lassa fever continues to spread across various states in the country.
The statement noted that the number of deaths from Lassa fever has reached 190 since January.
It was reported that the mortality rate from the Lassa epidemic continues to rise, increasing to 25.2 percent compared to the 19.1 percent recorded in the same period last year.
According to the statement, although the number of newly confirmed cases decreased during the reporting week, concerns remain regarding late reporting of cases, insufficient access to healthcare services, and infections among healthcare workers.
190 people died last year
In 2025, 190 people died from the Lassa virus across the country.
The Nigerian government declared a state of emergency due to Lassa fever on January 23, 2019. Lassa fever, which is encountered in many African countries such as Mali, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, was first detected in Nigeria in 1969 in the northeastern state of Borno.
The disease, which is transmitted through contact with rat feces, can spread from person to person and cause fatal hemorrhagic fever. Authorities are urging the public to avoid contact with rats and other rodents.
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