Nigeria launchesNigeria has activated an emergency response center after 190 deaths from Lassa fever in 2024, with over 1,150 cases across six states. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control has classified the outbreak as high risk, as the disease, transmitted by rodents and human contact, peaks between October and May. The World Health Organization prioritizes it due to its epidemic potential and lack of vaccines.

Nigeria has launched an emergency response center after recording 190 deaths from Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness, according to the country’s disease control agency on Monday. The disease, primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or excrement, has infected 1,154 people across six Nigerian states.

Jide Idris, the head of the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), stated that the agency’s risk assessment had categorized the outbreak as high. As a result, the NCDC activated the emergency Operations Centre to effectively manage the situation. "While the disease occurs throughout the year, peak transmission typically happens between October and May, coinciding with the dry season when human exposure to rodents increases," Idris explained during a press briefing in Abuja.

The emergency response center is expected to ensure seamless coordination in controlling and managing the outbreak. Lassa fever can also be transmitted between people through bodily fluids of those infected. The symptoms of the virus include fever, headaches, and in severe cases, death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Lassa fever as a priority disease due to its epidemic potential and the absence of approved vaccines.