**Fatshimetrie: A silent epidemic hits Nigeria**
Since the beginning of the year, a dreaded disease, Lassa fever, has already claimed the lives of 190 people in Nigeria. More than 1,100 cases of infection have been reported in six states of the country. This alarming situation has prompted the Nigerian authorities to set up an emergency response center to combat the spread of the disease.
The Nigeria Center for Disease Control has described the risk of the spread of Lassa fever as “high”, which led to the establishment of this emergency response center. The aim is to effectively organize the control and management of cases, in order to limit the impact of the epidemic.
According to the head of the agency, the maximum transmission of the disease usually occurs between October and May, and the last four weeks have recorded a significant increase in cases and deaths.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache and, in severe cases, death.
Due to its epidemic potential and the lack of certified vaccines, Lassa fever is classified by the World Health Organization as a priority disease requiring special attention.
It is crucial that urgent action is taken to contain the spread of Lassa fever and protect the population from this invisible but deadly threat. Health authorities in Nigeria must redouble their efforts to raise awareness, strengthen control measures and ensure that medical infrastructure is adequately resourced to cope with this outbreak. Only collective and coordinated action will overcome this health crisis and prevent further loss of life.