Laraba MUREY
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has raised alarm over the rising toll of Lassa fever in the country, with 80 lives lost and over 1,900 suspected cases recorded in just six months.
In its week 23 Situation Report, the agency warned that the virus is still spreading fast in parts of the country, especially in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, which account for nearly three out of every four confirmed cases.
According to the NCDC, the fatality rate stands at 19.4 per cent, making it one of the deadliest infectious disease outbreaks currently facing the country.
“This is a wake-up call,” the agency said. “We must take preventive measures seriously and report symptoms early.”
Experts say most of the victims are young adults aged 21 to 30, and that men are slightly more affected than women. Doctors and health workers are also at risk, especially in hospitals with poor infection control practices.
Nigerians are advised to keep their homes clean, avoid contact with rats, and report symptoms like fever, weakness, and bleeding immediately to the nearest health centre.
As the outbreak continues, the NCDC is urging increased awareness, community-level vigilance, and better support for frontline workers battling the disease daily.
