Nigeria is grappling with a worsening Lassa fever outbreak, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reporting 135 deaths so far in 2026 and a case fatality rate climbing to 26.2 per cent.
The latest situation report for Epidemiological Week 10 (March 2–8, 2026) shows 40 new confirmed cases, down from 65 the previous week, but cumulative figures remain alarming. Between January and early March, 516 confirmed cases were recorded out of 2,821 suspected infections across 20 states and 78 local government areas.
The majority of infections are concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo states, accounting for 85 per cent of cases. Young adults aged 21 to 30 are the most affected, with a near-equal male-to-female ratio.
While no new infections among healthcare workers were reported in the week under review, the NCDC said it has activated a multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate response efforts. Measures include infection prevention, active case search, contact tracing, and distribution of protective equipment in high-burden states.
The agency also urged Nigerians to maintain hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek prompt medical attention for symptoms such as fever, headache, and bleeding.
Lassa fever, endemic in Nigeria, usually spikes during the dry season, putting healthcare authorities on high alert.
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