Nigeria Battles Deadly Lassa Fever Outbreak, 98 Lives Lost

Nigeria is currently facing a severe outbreak of Lassa fever, with 535 confirmed cases and 98 reported deaths across 14 states, resulting in an 18.3% case fatality rate. A recent death of a patient who traveled from the UK has prompted contact tracing efforts in both Nigeria and the UK as health authorities work to contain the virus's spread. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has activated emergency response measures and is urging healthcare workers and the public to heighten awareness and preventive actions. The outbreak is particularly severe in states like Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo, which account for the majority of cases. Health officials emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to improve survival rates, as the disease is primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated food and surfaces. The situation remains critical as authorities continue to combat the outbreak with coordinated measures.