Nigeria is battling a worsening Lassa fever outbreak, with 191 deaths recorded so far in 2026, according to the latest figures released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Health authorities warned that delayed treatment and poor health-seeking behaviour are fuelling a sharp rise in fatalities across affected states. In its latest epidemiological report covering Week 18, the agency revealed that the number of confirmed infections rose from nine cases in Week 17 to 22 cases in Week 18. The latest infections were reported in Ondo, Edo and Plateau states, signalling continued transmission in several parts of the country.
The NCDC said at least 23 states and 106 local government areas have recorded confirmed cases this year, highlighting the nationwide spread of the disease. However, the outbreak remains heavily concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and Benue states, which together account for 84 per cent of all confirmed infections.
According to the report, Bauchi and Ondo states each contributed 26 per cent of confirmed cases, while Taraba accounted for 16 per cent. Edo and Benue followed with nine and seven per cent respectively, making the five states the country’s major hotspots for the viral disease.
Young adults between the ages of 21 and 30 remain the most affected demographic, although infections have been recorded among patients aged between one and 90 years. The agency also noted that the gender distribution remains nearly balanced, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.9.
The report disclosed that one healthcare worker was newly infected during Week 18, underlining the persistent risks faced by frontline medical personnel despite ongoing infection prevention efforts. The NCDC said the development reinforces the need for stronger protective measures in health facilities.
Health officials expressed concern over the increasing fatality rate, which has climbed to 24.6 per cent, compared to 19.2 per cent during the same period in 2025. The agency blamed the worsening death toll on late presentation of cases at treatment centres and weak awareness in high-burden communities.
“The high fatality rate is a clear signal that people are arriving at treatment centres too late,” the agency stated, stressing that Lassa fever is treatable when detected early. The NCDC added that delayed diagnosis, poor environmental sanitation and the high cost of treatment continue to hinder effective response efforts.
In response to the outbreak, the agency said it had activated a nationwide multi-partner Incident Management System and intensified surveillance, healthcare worker protection and community engagement campaigns. Rapid response teams have been deployed to high-burden states, while infection prevention training, contact tracing and distribution of personal protective equipment have also been expanded.
The NCDC said it is working with partners including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Médecins Sans Frontières, ALIMA and RTI International to strengthen response efforts. The agency urged state governments and communities to intensify environmental sanitation, rodent control and infection prevention practices, warning that urgent action is needed to curb further spread of the disease.
