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Nigerian gov't confirm fresh Lassa fever cases after 2 get killed

Xinhua, December 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Nigerian government on Wednesday confirmed fresh cases of Lassa fever in the country after it claimed two lives in the southwestern state of Ogun.

Minister of Health Isaac Adewole told reporters the fresh cases of Lassa fever, a disease carried by rodents, were discovered on Monday after it killed a senior health practitioner and a mortuary attendant at the Federal Medical Center in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Adewole said the National Center for Disease Control has been mandated to investigate, prevent and control the possible outbreak of the disease.

Lassa fever is usually transmitted when the saliva, urine and excreta of the multi-mammalian rats come in contact with humans through their food or water. In some cases, Lassa fever has similar symptoms with malaria.

"Lassa fever is treatable when detected early," Adewole told Xinhua.

An official statement by the Ministry of Health also directed health professionals to test before treating for suspected malaria, and if the test is negative for malaria, to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever.

More than 80 people were killed by a Lassa fever outbreak early this year in Nigeria. Endit