Health Officials Raise Concern Over Rising Lassa Fever Cases in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (NCDC), has warned of a sharp rise in Lassa fever infections, confirming a 57 per cent increase in cases within one week and 31 deaths recorded in the first five epidemiological weeks of 2026.

The country’s ‘Case Fatality Rate’ currently stands at 18.8 per cent, slightly lower than the 19.6 per cent recorded during the same period last year. 

Nine states have reported confirmed infections across 33 Local Government Areas, with Bauchi and Taraba in the North-East, Ondo in the South-West, Edo in the South-South and Plateau in the North-Central, accounting for 92 per cent of all cases.

Particularly concerning is the continued risk to healthcare workers, underscoring gaps in infection prevention measures within clinical settings.

In response, the NCDC has intensified its national response, issuing updated safety guidelines emphasising strict hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, safe handling of medical waste and specimens, and early detection and isolation of suspected cases.

The agency stressed that strengthening infection prevention and control measures remains critical to protecting healthcare workers and limiting further spread during the peak transmission season.

Hospitals have also been directed to ensure hand hygiene facilities are available at all points of care to reduce transmission risks.