Lassa Fever Outbreak Claims 146 Lives in Nigeria in 11 Weeks, 25 Doctors Infected
By Feyisola Adeyeha
Nigeria is facing a serious Lassa fever outbreak that has claimed lives across the country, including those of frontline health workers. Doctors treating patients have been infected, and some have died while caring for others.
Report have it that the outbreak has killed 146 people in Nigeria over the past 11 weeks, with health workers among the casualties.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has confirmed 582 cases nationwide in the same period. Twenty-five doctors have been infected while treating patients, and three have died.
Lassa fever is a dangerous viral disease that spreads mainly through contact with the urine or droppings of infected rats.
It can also pass from person to person through direct contact with bodily fluids. The illness often begins with symptoms that look like a common fever, such as high temperature, headache, and general weakness, which makes it easy to overlook in the early stages.It can quickly become severe, leading to bleeding, facial swelling, and shock.
Health officials say the disease is preventable and are calling on Nigerians to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families.
They urge everyone to keep food and cooking pots tightly covered so rats cannot contaminate them, and to block any holes or entry points in homes where rats can get in. Regular, thorough handwashing with soap and water is critical, and anyone with a persistent fever should avoid self-medicating with drugs from chemists or pharmacies. Instead, they should go to the hospital immediately for proper testing and care.
Frontline health workers remain at high risk during the outbreak, and officials stress that adequate Personal Protective Equipment is essential to keep them safe while they save lives.
Authorities emphasise that more lives do not need to be lost to a disease that can be controlled through basic hygiene and vigilance.
The public is being asked to stay safe, stay alert, and share the message with family and friends.
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