Lassa fever claims 127 lives in Nigeria as cases surge in April
In Nigeria, the Lassa virus claimed the lives of 127 people in the first week of April. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 674 cases of this illness. The mortality rate stands at 18.8%. Young adults are at the highest risk.
What do you need to know?
- Lassa Fever: In the first week of April, Nigeria reported 674 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, with 127 deaths.
- Risk Group: Individuals aged 21 to 30 are the most vulnerable, primarily due to low health awareness and poor living conditions.
- Symptoms and Progression: The illness presents with fever, headache, sore throat, and weakness, and in severe cases, bleeding from various body orifices.
What causes the spread of the virus?
The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) states that the Lassa virus is transmitted to humans through contact with food or items contaminated by infected rodents. The mortality rate of this disease in Nigeria is currently 18.8%. Low health awareness and unsanitary living conditions significantly contribute to the virus's rapid spread.
Who is most at risk?
The demographic group most affected is individuals aged 21 to 30. High treatment costs and inadequate access to medical care increase the risk for this demographic.
What are the symptoms and consequences of the disease?
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that, in severe cases, can result in unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body orifices.
Symptoms of Lassa fever include fever, headache, sore throat, general weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle aches, and chest pain.
In messages shared on social media, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention urges adherence to hygiene practices to prevent the spread of diseases.
"Keep your environment clean, store food properly in a covered container, and visit the nearest health facility if you noticed any of these symptoms," it advises.
