Nigeria has launched an emergency response centre following the deaths of 190 people from Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness, according to the country’s disease control agency. The outbreak has affected 1,154 individuals across six Nigerian states, prompting authorities to act swiftly. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has classified the situation as a high-risk outbreak, leading to the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
Lassa fever, which is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces, poses a significant public health risk. The virus can also spread between people through contact with bodily fluids of those infected, further complicating containment measures. Jide Idris, head of the NCDC, explained that while the disease circulates throughout the year, its transmission is particularly high during the dry season, between October and May, when human exposure to rodents is more frequent.
In his statement at a press briefing in Abuja, Idris emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to limit the outbreak’s spread. “The Emergency Operations Centre will oversee the effective management of the situation, ensuring seamless coordination among local and national health authorities,” he said.
Lassa fever is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headaches, and in more severe cases, internal bleeding and death. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the disease as a priority due to its potential for large-scale epidemics and the lack of an approved vaccine, which makes managing outbreaks especially challenging.
As Nigeria grapples with this ongoing health crisis, public health officials are urging citizens to take preventive measures, such as proper food storage and avoiding contact with rodents, while authorities ramp up efforts to contain the virus and provide necessary medical care to those affected.