Nigeria's Lassa Fever Crisis Deepens with 75 Deaths and Rising Fatality Rate
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a stark warning as the country grapples with a severe Lassa fever outbreak. In the first six weeks of 2026, Nigeria has recorded 75 confirmed deaths from the viral hemorrhagic fever, with the fatality rate climbing to a concerning 23 percent. This marks a significant increase from the 19.7 percent fatality rate reported during the same period in 2025, highlighting growing public health challenges.
Epidemiological Data Reveals Widespread Impact
According to the NCDC's latest Epidemiological Week 7 report covering February 9 to 15, 2026, the agency documented 82 new confirmed cases, up from 74 cases the previous week. Cumulatively for the year, Nigeria has reported 326 confirmed cases and four probable cases out of 1,538 suspected infections. The outbreak has spread across 16 states and 58 local government areas, demonstrating the virus's extensive reach.
Geographic Concentration: Nearly 84 percent of all confirmed infections are concentrated in just four states: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, and Edo. Bauchi State leads in case numbers, followed closely by Ondo, Taraba, and Edo. During the reporting week, confirmed cases were recorded in 14 states including Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Benue.
Demographic Patterns and Healthcare Worker Infections
The outbreak has affected a wide age range, with patients spanning from one year to 90 years old. Young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the most affected demographic group. The current male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8, indicating slightly higher infection rates among males.
Alarming Development: The NCDC revealed that five healthcare workers contracted the virus during the reporting week, raising serious concerns about infection prevention and control practices in medical facilities. This development underscores the occupational risks faced by frontline medical personnel during infectious disease outbreaks.
Contributing Factors and Response Measures
Although the overall number of suspected and confirmed cases is lower than figures recorded during the same period last year, the NCDC has identified several factors contributing to the rising fatality rate:
- Late hospital visits by infected individuals
- Poor health-seeking behavior among the population
- Inadequate preventive measures in affected communities
To strengthen response efforts, the national Incident Management System has been activated. The NCDC has advised states to implement several key measures:
- Intensify community awareness campaigns about Lassa fever symptoms and prevention
- Enhance surveillance and early detection systems
- Improve infection control practices in healthcare facilities
- Promote early treatment-seeking behavior among at-risk populations
The agency continues to monitor the situation closely and has urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek immediate medical attention if Lassa fever symptoms appear. With the fatality rate exceeding previous years' levels, public health authorities emphasize that timely intervention remains crucial to saving lives and containing the outbreak.
