The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced a troubling uptick in Lassa fever cases, confirming 82 new infections and 20 deaths over the past week.
In the situation report released on Tuesday, the agency noted that the count of confirmed cases rose from 72 in the sixth week of 2026 to 82 in the seventh week.
These new cases were identified in Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Benue states.
Fatality Rate Exceeds Previous Year
From the first to the seventh week of 2026, there have been a total of 75 deaths among confirmed cases, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23 percent.
This CFR is significantly higher than the 19.7 percent reported during the same timeframe in 2025.
To date, 14 states have documented at least one confirmed case across 58 local government areas.
While the fatality rate has seen an increase, the NCDC indicated that the number of suspected and confirmed cases is lower compared to the same period last year.
Majority of Cases Concentrated in Four States
According to the report, four states account for 84 percent of all confirmed infections: Bauchi (33 percent), Ondo (22 percent), Taraba (19 percent), and Edo (10 percent). The remaining 16 percent of cases have been recorded across 12 other states.
The most affected demographic is individuals aged 21 to 30, with cases spanning from one to 90 years, and the median age being 30.
There were also reported infections among five healthcare workers during the week.
Enhanced Response Efforts
The NCDC has stated that the national multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) concerning Lassa fever remains active to streamline response efforts.
IMS structures have been bolstered in Kebbi, Kano, Gombe, Benue, and Plateau states, along with the deployment of National Rapid Response Teams to seven states with a high burden of the disease.
Collaborating with partners including the World Health Organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF, the NCDC has dispatched personal protective equipment (PPE), Ribavirin, and other essential supplies to the affected regions.
Laboratory testing, risk communication, and engagement activities with stakeholders in health and environmental sectors are also ongoing.
Identified Challenges and Recommendations
The agency pointed out several challenges such as delayed presentation of cases, inadequate health-seeking behaviors owing to high treatment costs, poor environmental conditions, and low awareness in areas with a high incidence of Lassa fever.
It urged state governments to enhance community engagement aimed at preventing Lassa fever throughout the year.
Healthcare workers are encouraged to maintain a vigilant attitude, ensure timely referrals and treatments, and adhere rigorously to infection prevention protocols.
The NCDC also called upon partners to assist states in boosting their capacity to prevent, identify, and respond to Lassa fever outbreaks efficiently.
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Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, primarily spread to humans through contact with food or household objects contaminated with the urine or feces of infected rats. It can also be transmitted between humans via contact with bodily fluids.
Initial symptoms often include fever, weakness, and headaches, which can progress to severe manifestations such as bleeding, difficulty breathing, swelling, and organ failure.
Early identification and prompt treatment with Ribavirin are crucial for enhancing survival rates.
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