Nigeria has recorded seventy deaths from Lassa fever in the first seven weeks of 2026, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirming 318 laboratory-verified infections out of more than 1,400 suspected cases nationwide.
The NCDC’s latest report made available to ENigeria Newspaper, covering Epidemiological Weeks 1 to 7 (December 29, 2025 – February 15, 2026), showed a case fatality rate of 22 per cent. Fifteen healthcare workers have also been infected, prompting heightened concern for frontline medical staff.
At a press briefing attended by ENigeria Newspaper, the Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the outbreak remains geographically concentrated. Five states account for 91 per cent of confirmed cases, while ten Local Government Areas make up nearly 70 per cent of infections.
“Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria and typically peaks during the dry season, from November to May,” Idris explained.
“The current trend aligns with these seasonal patterns. While the numbers are concerning, there is no cause for panic. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment greatly improve survival.”
To coordinate the response, the NCDC has activated its Incident Management System, with the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre holding weekly meetings. Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to eight states including Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Benue, and Jigawa, with further deployments planned as needed.
Laboratory testing materials have been distributed across the national network, while treatment drugs, personal protective equipment, sanitizers, and other infection control supplies have been supplied nationwide. Idris emphasised that protecting healthcare workers remains a top priority and said investigations are ongoing to determine factors contributing to infections among medical staff.
In addition, formal guidance has been sent to state Commissioners of Health, outlining actions to strengthen infection prevention and control in health facilities.
“Our risk communication and infodemic management team worked closely with state authorities to investigate and address the concern. The state communicated timely information, while at the national level we amplified accurate updates to maintain public confidence,” Idris said.
The NCDC also addressed misinformation, citing a recent false report of Lassa fever at the NYSC camp in Kwara State.
