Nigeria Lassa fever outbreak 2026 confirmed cases and deaths

Nigeria is confronting a serious outbreak of Lassa fever this year with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirming 318 cases and 70 deaths recorded within the first seven weeks of 2026. The latest figures from the national health authority show that out of 1,469 suspected infections nationwide, 318 have tested positive for the viral haemorrhagic disease, resulting in a worrying 22 per cent case fatality rate during this period. The data cover the period from late December 2025 to mid‑February 2026, reflecting the intensification of the outbreak as the dry season, when the disease typically peaks, continues. The health agency’s Director‑General, Dr Jide Idris, highlighted that the outbreak remains geographically concentrated, with a small number of states accounting for the majority of confirmed cases and fatalities, and noted that 15 healthcare workers have also been infected, underscoring the risk posed to frontline responders. Public health experts say the spread of Lassa fever is driven by contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, particularly multimammate rats, and that human‑to‑human transmission can occur if infectious materials are not handled safely.

In response to the escalating crisis, the NCDC has activated its Incident Management System to coordinate a nationwide effort aimed at curbing the outbreak. National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to multiple high‑burden states to enhance surveillance, improve case management, and support laboratory diagnostics. The agency emphasises the need for robust infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, as well as intensified contact tracing and community engagement to prevent transmission. Officials have called on state governments to strengthen local response capabilities and ensure that prevention campaigns and treatment resources are available where they are most needed. Public health advice encourages Nigerians to practise environmental hygiene, store food in rodent‑proof containers, eliminate conditions that attract rodents, and seek immediate medical care for symptoms such as persistent fever, headache or unexplained bleeding.

The outbreak has prompted urgent warnings from health authorities about the impact of delayed care‑seeking, weak infection control practices, and limited resources in some underserved areas. Efforts to address these challenges include distributing personal protective equipment, antiviral medications, and other critical supplies to affected regions. Despite these interventions, the scale of the outbreak highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in outbreak preparedness and response, particularly at the state and community levels. As the situation develops, health officials continue to monitor trends, engage with stakeholders, and advocate for sustained preventive actions to reduce the toll of Lassa fever across the country.