Nigeria Opens Emergency Center to Combat Lassa Fever After 190 De/ aths

Nigeria’s Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced the opening of an emergency response center following the death of 190 people from Lassa fever, a viral disease transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces.

The virus has infected 1,154 individuals across six Nigerian states, prompting health authorities to take urgent measures to curb its spread.

During a press conference, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the center’s director, stated that a risk assessment classified the disease as high, necessitating the activation of an Emergency Operations Center to manage the outbreak.

He explained that while infections occur year-round, the peak transmission period is between October and May, coinciding with the dry season, which increases human exposure to rodents.

Authorities are intensifying efforts to combat the disease through public awareness campaigns, strengthened preventive measures, and improved treatment mechanisms.