Lassa fever death toll in Nigeria rises

The number of Lassa fever victims in Nigeria has risen to 219.

The deadly disease has spread to 28 states in Nigeria, including the capital Abuja, Anadolu reports citing the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

Last year, 1,227 cases of infection with the dangerous disease were detected in the African country.

Lassa fever was first detected in Nigeria in 1969 in Borno state in the northeast of the country.

Because of Lassa fever, the Nigerian government declared a state of emergency last February.

Lassa fever is transmitted through contact with the feces of rats and mice. This dangerous disease has the ability to be transmitted from human to human and can be fatal.

The authorities urged the population to take precautions, follow hygiene standards and avoid contact with rodents.