Lassa virus surge in Nigeria: 127 dead, young adults at risk
In Nigeria, the Lassa virus claimed the lives of 127 people in the first week of April. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 674 cases of this disease, resulting in a mortality rate of 18.8%. Young adults are most at risk.
What do you need to know?
- Lassa Fever: In the first week of April, Nigeria recorded 674 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, with 127 fatalities.
- Risk Group: People aged 21 to 30 are most vulnerable due to low health awareness and unsanitary living conditions.
- Symptoms and Progression: The disease presents with fever, headache, sore throat, weakness, and in severe cases, bleeding from various body openings.
What causes the spread of the virus?
The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) notes that the Lassa virus is transmitted to humans through contact with food or items contaminated by infected rodents. The mortality rate of this disease in Nigeria currently stands at 18.8%. Low health awareness and unsanitary living conditions contribute to its rapid spread.
Who is most at risk?
The most affected demographic group is individuals aged 21 to 30. High treatment costs and lack of access to adequate medical care further increase the risk for this group.
What are the symptoms and consequences of the disease?
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness that can lead to unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings in severe cases.
Symptoms of Lassa fever include fever, headache, sore throat, general weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and chest pain.
In social media messages, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention urges adherence to hygiene rules to prevent diseases.
"Keep your environment clean, store food properly in a covered container, and visit the nearest health facility if you noticed any of these symptoms," it reads.
