Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease endemic in West Africa, continues to wreak havoc in Nigeria. In 2024, the country recorded 190 deaths and 1,154 confirmed cases out of nearly 9,500 reported, according to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.
Mainly transmitted by contact with food or objects contaminated by rodent excrement, the disease is particularly active during the dry season, between October and May. Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states alone account for almost 70% of infections, while ten local areas account for 59% of confirmed cases.
Faced with this alarming situation, the NCDC activated an Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the fight against the epidemic. This system aims to intensify prevention, improve case detection and guarantee rapid treatment of patients.
The authorities are also focusing on raising awareness among populations, particularly in rural areas where contact with rodents is frequent. Better management of habitats and food stocks could limit the spread of the disease.
In the absence of a vaccine, the World Health Organization classifies Lassa fever as a priority disease for research and development. Experts emphasize the urgency of strengthening local public health capacities to prevent future outbreaks.
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