Lassa fever death toll rises in Nigeria

The Nigerian Center for Disease Control said in a statement that the Lassa fever outbreak continues to spread in 102 districts across 21 states, as well as the country's capital, Abuja.

The statement noted that 8,367 suspected Lassa cases were detected between January 1 and November 5, and 955 of them tested positive.

In the statement, it was stated that the number of people who lost their lives due to the virus increased to 176, and that the age group most affected by the virus was 21 to 30.

THERE WERE LOSSES OF LIVES LAST YEAR TOO

Last year, 190 people died across the country due to the Lassa virus.

The Nigerian government declared a state of emergency due to Lassa fever on January 23, 2019.

Lassa fever, which is seen in many African countries such as Mali, Togo, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, was first detected in Nigeria in 1969 in the Borno state in the north-east of the country.

The disease, transmitted through contact with mouse droppings, can spread from person to person and causes fatal hemorrhagic fever.

Authorities are warning the public to avoid contact with mice and other rodents.