17.02.2026 13:13
In Nigeria, 31 people have died in 5 weeks due to the Lassa fever disease transmitted from animals to humans. It was reported that there are 135 cases in treatment centers across the country.
The Nigeria Center for Disease Control announced that since January, the Lassa fever outbreak has spread to 9 states in the country. The statement noted that 165 cases of Lassa fever have been reported in the country over 5 weeks, and 31 people have lost their lives due to the outbreak.
135 CASES REPORTED
The statement indicated that 135 cases are being managed in treatment centers in the country, and at least 110 suspected cases are being monitored for contact tracing.
LAST YEAR 215 PEOPLE DIED
Due to the Lassa virus, 215 people lost their lives across the country last year. Lassa fever, which is seen in many African countries such as Mali, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, was first identified in Nigeria in 1969 in Borno state in the northeast of the country.
DISEASE CAN BE TRANSMITTED FROM PERSON TO PERSON
The disease, which is transmitted through contact with rat droppings, can be passed from person to person and leads to fatal hemorrhagic fever. Authorities are warning the public to avoid contact with rats and other rodents. The Nigerian government declared a state of emergency due to Lassa fever on January 23, 2019.