A recent outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria has resulted in 118 deaths and 645 confirmed cases within the first three months of this year.
The virus, transmitted through rodents, has been a persistent threat in rural areas, particularly due to unsanitary food handling practices.
Despite efforts to prevent the disease, environmental hygiene in impoverished rural areas remains a significant concern.
The fatality rate for this outbreak stands at 18.3%, with more than 20 healthcare workers infected across five states.
Treatment centers are facing staffing shortages, and many patients are delaying medical care, opting for ineffective self-medication practices instead.
The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported around 100 deaths from Lassa fever every quarter in recent times.
The outbreak highlights the need for improved environmental hygiene, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns to combat the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
