A surge in Lassa fever infections has sent shockwaves across Nigeria. In the past three weeks, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 66 confirmed cases and 7 deaths. The outbreak has spread across 23 states and 111 local government areas. Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease that can be fatal if left untreated.

The NCDC's latest report showed sustained transmission between epidemiological weeks 24 and 26.

The NCDC has attributed the high fatality rate to late presentation of patients, poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, poor environmental sanitation, low public awareness, and infections among healthcare workers. To curb the outbreak, the agency has intensified surveillance, activated its multi-sectoral Incident Management System, deployed rapid response teams to high-burden states, strengthened laboratory diagnosis and contact tracing, trained healthcare workers, distributed personal protective equipment, and scaled up public awareness campaigns with support from local and international partners.

The 23 states most affected by the outbreak are Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue. These states account for 85 per cent of all confirmed cases reported so far this year. The NCDC has urged Nigerians to maintain good environmental hygiene, prevent contact with rodents, seek immediate medical attention for persistent fever and other symptoms, and avoid self-medication.

The agency has also disclosed that one healthcare worker was infected during Week 24, highlighting the occupational risks faced by frontline health personnel. This surge in Lassa fever infections comes as a stark reminder of the need for Nigerians to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

The NCDC's report has shown that the outbreak has resulted in a cumulative 5,801 suspected cases, 868 confirmed infections, and 216 deaths, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate of 24.9 per cent. This is higher than the 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.

In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has activated its Incident Management System and is working closely with state governments and other stakeholders to contain the spread of the disease. The agency has also appealed to Nigerians to report any suspected cases to the relevant authorities and to seek medical attention immediately if they show symptoms.

A health worker collects a blood sample from a suspected Lassa fever patient in a hospital in Nigeria.

The NCDC has warned that the outbreak is still ongoing and that Nigerians need to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Key Facts:

  • 66 confirmed cases and 7 deaths reported in the past 3 weeks
  • 23 states and 111 local government areas affected
  • 85 per cent of confirmed cases reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue states
  • 5,801 suspected cases, 868 confirmed infections, and 216 deaths resulting in a Case Fatality Rate of 24.9 per cent
  • 1 healthcare worker infected during Week 24
  • The outbreak is still ongoing and Nigerians need to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease