Lassa fever kills 1,047 patients, health workers in 50 years

Nigeria Academy of Science (NAS) has raised the alarm over the impact of Lassa fever yearly resurgence, saying since the first case was reported in Nigeria 50 years ago in January 1969, a total of 16,783 suspected cases have been reported with 1,047 deaths.

According to a statement from NAS signed by its president, Prof. K. Mosto Onuoha, of the fatal cases, 73 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and other categories of hospital staff have died.

To this end, NAS consequently called for the establishment of an interdisciplinary One-Health Committee to advise and assist the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in investigating and managing Lassa fever outbreaks in the country Read more