Deadly Lassa virus kills 13 in Nigeria

Feb 15, 2012 |

IANS

Abuja

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A deadly haemorrhagic virus Lassa has killed at least 13 people since its detection a week ago in Nigeria, Xinhua reported.

The virus was detected in Taraba state and the deaths reported at the Federal Medical Center in Jalingo, which was forced to close some of its units after the outbreak.

Mustapha Hamman-Gabdo, state commissioner for health, said some people admitted to the centre for different ailments were later diagnosed with Lassa fever.

The virus is transmitted primarily though contact with rat excreta.

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