Nigeria: Lhasa fever kills 39

In Bauchi Province, 342 patients have been diagnosed with Lhasa fever in the last 5 weeks, of which 39 have died: Aliu Maiguro

Lhasa fever has killed 39 people in Nigeria's Bauchi province in the past five weeks.

Bauchi Provincial Health Commissioner Dr Aliu Maiguro said 342 patients had been diagnosed with lassa fever in different parts of the province in the past five weeks, of which 39 had died.

Maiguro says the government has launched a campaign to provide free treatment for the disease.

The Nigerian government also declared a state of emergency in 2019 due to Lhasa fever.

It should be noted that this disease is spread by touching rat waste, is transmitted from person to person and causes bloody fever in the patient which can be fatal.

Authorities have warned the public to be sensitive to hygiene and to avoid touching rats and other predatory animals.