Nigeria, April 30 -- At least 50 persons have died from Lassa fever in Nigeria, even as the country is still grappling with the scourging COVID-19 pandemic.

The figure, revealed by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control as of Week 15, spanning April 12 -18, showed that Lassa fever has continued a silent ascent in fatalities and infection.

According to NCDC figures, 28 persons died between Week 7 (February 15-21) and Week 15.

The number of confirmed cases also climbed from 102 to 247 within the same period.

The disease is now prevalent in 14 states and across 52 local governments.

As the Lassa fever season peaked in March, the fatality also peaked. For instance, four deaths were recorded in Week 11 (March15-21) and three deaths in We...