Nigeria: Lassa fever outbreak kills at least 26

Close to 26 people have died following a Lassa fever outbreak which has affected seven states in Nigeria.

The head of Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control has also announced that 150 others have been infected.

The numbers could rise as health officials continue carrying out tests in the affected areas.

“We need to wait for different laboratory tests before arriving at a definite figure,“Addussalam Nasidi who heads the Centre for Disease Control told the press.

The Lassa fever has affected cities in the North and South zones of the country.

Two Confirmed Dead As Lassa Fever Hits Rivers State https://t.co/5sJ55BTYqg

— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) January 5, 2016

1 person dead & 2 quarantined as Taraba State Government confirms outbreak of #Lassa fever in the State ~NEMA

— NTA News (@NTANewsNow) January 4, 2016

The population of Nigeria has been advised to report cases of persistent stooling, high fever and vomiting to the nearest hospital or health centre.

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. It was first noticed in 1969 in the town of Lassa, Borno state of Nigeria. It is very common in West Africa.

It is easily transmitted through contact with the feces or urine of animals such as the multimammate rat.

An estimated 5000 people die from this virus annually.