Lassa Fever Outbreak Claims 166 Lives in 21 States

Nigeria is battling a renewed outbreak of Lassa fever that has claimed 166 lives across 21 states this year. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), health authorities have recorded 7,673 suspected cases, of which 895 have been confirmed. The haemorrhagic fever, spread by contact with infected rats or contaminated food, has been reported in states across the country, with the highest numbers in Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states.

The NCDC said that over the past week alone, Ondo, Bauchi, Kogi and Anambra states reported 146 suspected cases and 11 confirmed infections, resulting in two deaths. Officials urge Nigerians to practise strict hygiene, store food properly and seek medical help quickly if they develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting or bleeding. Emergency response teams are working with state governments to provide treatment centres and supplies, but experts warn that the disease could spread further without sustained public health measures.