Minister of health confirms spread of Lassa fever, 40 people dead

Professor Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health has confirmed the spread of Lassa Fever across 10 states in the past 6 weeks and also stated that 40 people have been confirmed dead.

''In the last six weeks Nigeria has been experiencing Lassa fever outbreak which so far has affected 10 states in the country, " Adewole said. The states affected include Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe and Oyo state. The total number so far reported is 86 and 40 deaths with the mortality rate of 45%. Our laboratories have confirmed 22 cases so far, indicative of a new round trip of Lassa fever outbreak.''

The minister has since listed a number of safety measures taken by the Federal Ministry of Health to manage further spread and also reduce mortality among those affected.