NCDC Reports 85% of Lassa Fever Cases from Five States

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has indicated that, as of 2026, Lassa fever remains significantly concentrated in a limited number of states, despite a noted decline in weekly cases.

In its most recent situation report for Epidemiological Week 10, spanning from March 2 to March 8, 2026, the NCDC reported that five states — Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo — are responsible for about 85 percent of all confirmed cases recorded this year.

Bauchi alone accounts for 28 percent of the infections, followed by Ondo at 21 percent, Taraba with 19 percent, Benue at nine percent, and Edo at eight percent. The remaining 15 percent of cases have been distributed across 15 additional states.

So far in 2026, a total of 20 states and 78 local government areas have confirmed at least one case of Lassa fever.

During Week 10 alone, cases were documented in eight states: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Edo, Kogi, Gombe, and Cross River.

The situation report underscores that the disease disproportionately impacts young adults, particularly those aged 21 to 30, who represent the majority of confirmed cases. The age range of affected individuals spans from one to 90 years, with the median age being 30 years. The male-to-female ratio is nearly equal, at 1:0.9.

In Week 10, no healthcare personnel were reported to be infected, although 38 healthcare workers have been recorded as infected in 2026. The report points out ongoing challenges regarding exposure among healthcare staff and highlights deficiencies in infection prevention and control protocols within health facilities.

Case numbers have shown a decline, with 40 confirmed cases in Week 10, down from 65 the previous week. However, seven deaths occurred during the same timeframe, leading to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.5%. Cumulatively, from Week 1 to Week 10 in 2026, Nigeria has reported 516 confirmed cases and 135 fatalities, resulting in a CFR of 26.2%, which is significantly higher than the 18.3% observed during the same period in 2025, even though the number of confirmed cases is lower this year.

The report reveals a slight decrease in suspected cases, from 2,960 in 2025 to 2,821 in 2026, indicating a minimal reduction in overall case detection.

In response, the NCDC has intensified its efforts through collaboration with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Key interventions include deploying National Rapid Response Teams to seven states with high burden, distributing personal protective equipment (PPE), Ribavirin, and other medical supplies, and providing training for healthcare workers in Taraba State.

The agency has also activated incident management systems in several states, conducted active case search and contact tracing in affected regions, and launched behavioral change programs in 10 high-burden states. Currently, the follow-up is ongoing for 321 of the 922 identified contacts.

Despite these interventions, multiple challenges remain, including delayed presentations of cases, inadequate health-seeking behaviors linked to treatment costs, and a lack of awareness in affected communities. Poor environmental sanitation in high-burden areas further contributes to ongoing transmission.

The NCDC is calling on state governments to enhance community engagement and improve prevention measures, especially in high-burden regions. Healthcare workers are advised to maintain vigilance regarding Lassa fever and ensure prompt referral and treatment, while strictly following infection prevention protocols.

Finally, the NCDC emphasizes the necessity for stronger collaborations with partners to boost state-level capacities for early detection and rapid responses.

Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, spreads primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rat urine or feces. Transmission can also occur between individuals via bodily fluids. The illness often starts with fever, weakness, and headache and can escalate to severe symptoms, including bleeding, respiratory distress, swelling, and organ failure. Early diagnosis and prompt Ribavirin treatment are essential for improving survival rates.