The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has confirmed the increase in the number of Lassa fever cases reported in the country since the beginning of the year.

 

 

Between the 1^st and the 19^th of January, a total of 398 suspected cases were reported from eleven states across the country, leading to 38 deaths.

 

 

This figure is expected to rise as more states have reported cases of the disease.

 

 

The disease occurs all year round but more cases are usually recorded during the dry season that is November through May.

 

 

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by Lassa virus. The natural carrier of the virus is the multimammate rat, but, the disease is also spread through human to human transmission.

 

 

The early stages of Lassa fever, present symptoms similar to febrile illness such as malaria.

 

 

 

Lassa fever is spread through: Direct contact with urine, faeces, saliva or blood of infected rodents.

 

 

And also Ingesting food and drinks contaminated with urine, faeces, saliva or blood of infected rats.