41 more deaths have been recorded in 19 states following the renewed outbreak of Lassa fever across Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire confirmed the increased spread of cases of Lassa fever and death across the country.

Ehanire said, “As of Jan 28, 2020; 258 confirmed cases, 41 deaths have been reported in 19 states with a majority of the cases being from Ebonyi, Edo and Ondo states.”

The states affected

The minister said a total of 689 suspected cases and 258 confirmed cases were reported with 41 deaths.

The cases were reported from 19 states comprising Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, Kogi, Rivers, Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Delta, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Osun, and Ogun states.

Among the victims, are five health care workers in Kano (3), Taraba (1) and Borno (1).

Lassa fever is curable

Ehanire, who disclosed the death toll rise at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja, said the disease is preventable and can be treated when a patient presents himself early to a healthcare facility.

He added that Nigeria is contributing to research for the development of the Lassa fever vaccine to proffer a lasting solution to the disease.

“It is important that Nigerians maintain personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, and food hygiene by storing their food properly to prevent the disease.

“Giving the tropical climate in Nigeria, there is a high risk of infectious diseases like Lassa fever because of the vector; this also is the case for other African countries with a similar environment,” Ehanire said.