Nigeria Activates 'Emergency Operations' to Curb Lassa Fever

Nigeria has set up an emergency response centre to deal with outbreaks of Lassa fever in parts of the country. 

This follows a rising number of cases between January 1 and 23, with about 115 infections and 26 deaths having been confirmed. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said activating the centre was necessary to contain the spread of the disease. 

Lassa fever is an acute and often viral hemorrhagic fever, transmitted to human beings via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. Symptoms include fever, general weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea, headaches and coughs.

InFocus

Lassa fever public health advisory (file photo).

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