Lassa fever outbreak intensifies with 66 infections and 7 fatalities reported in Nigeria over the past three weeks

Nigeria is experiencing a resurgence of Lassa fever cases, with 66 confirmed infections and seven fatalities reported over three consecutive epidemiological weeks, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

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The outbreak has spread to 23 states and 111 local government areas, with the NCDC's latest report indicating sustained transmission between epidemiological weeks 24 and 26, prompting warnings of continued risk and urging citizens to remain vigilant.

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In Week 24, health authorities recorded 149 suspected cases, 13 confirmed infections, and two deaths, while Week 25 saw 150 suspected cases, 22 confirmed cases, and three fatalities, and Week 26 reported 205 suspected cases, 31 confirmed cases, and two deaths.

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These numbers bring the total to 504 suspected cases, 66 confirmed infections, and seven deaths over the three-week period, highlighting the ongoing spread of the viral haemorrhagic disease.

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The NCDC has identified Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue states as accounting for 85 per cent of all confirmed cases reported so far this year, with the outbreak affecting 23 states and 111 local government areas.

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As of Week 24, Nigeria had recorded a cumulative 5,801 suspected cases, 868 confirmed infections, and 216 deaths, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate of 24.9 per cent, which is higher than the 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.

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The high fatality rate is attributed to factors such as late presentation of patients, poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, poor environmental sanitation, low public awareness, and infections among healthcare workers, according to the NCDC.

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A healthcare worker was infected during Week 24, underscoring the occupational risks faced by frontline health personnel, the NCDC reported.

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To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has intensified surveillance, activated its multi-sectoral Incident Management System, deployed rapid response teams to high-burden states, strengthened laboratory diagnosis and contact tracing, trained healthcare workers, distributed personal protective equipment, and scaled up public awareness campaigns with support from local and international partners.

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The NCDC is urging Nigerians to maintain good environmental hygiene, prevent contact with rodents, seek immediate medical attention for persistent fever and other symptoms, and avoid self-medication, emphasizing that early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to reducing deaths from Lassa fever.