Nigeria Records 166 Lassa Fever Deaths, Case Fatality Rate Rises - Latest Report

Nigeria has recorded 166 deaths from Lassa fever in the first nine months of the year, with a rising case fatality rate of almost two percent compared to the same period last year. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported suspected cases in 21 states and 106 local government areas, with 895 confirmed cases.

The virus is dominant in five states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi. Lassa fever is an acute febrile illness with symptoms like fever, weakness, headache, sore throat, and bleeding.

The government is emphasizing routine infection prevention and control measures to combat the disease, which is endemic in countries like Benin, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.