Nigeria Sees Spike in Lassa Fever Outbreak with 66 Confirmed Cases and 7 Fatalities Over Three-Week Period

Nigeria is grappling with a resurgence of Lassa fever cases, as evidenced by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's report of 66 confirmed cases and seven deaths spanning three consecutive epidemiological weeks, with 23 states affected.

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The latest situation report from the NCDC indicates that the outbreak persists across 23 states and 111 Local Government Areas, underscoring the need for continued vigilance among Nigerians.

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Between Epidemiological Weeks 24 and 26, sustained transmission of the disease was observed, with a notable rise in suspected and confirmed cases, prompting health authorities to sound the alarm about the country's ongoing risk.

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During Week 24, the NCDC documented 149 suspected cases, 13 confirmed infections, and two deaths, while Week 25 saw an increase to 150 suspected cases, 22 confirmed cases, and three deaths.

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In Week 26, the numbers climbed further, with 205 suspected cases, 31 confirmed cases, and two deaths reported, bringing the three-week total to 504 suspected cases, 66 confirmed infections, and seven deaths.

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The cumulative tally of suspected and confirmed cases, as well as fatalities, now stands at 504 suspected cases, 66 confirmed infections, and seven deaths, highlighting the disease's relentless spread.

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The NCDC's data reveals that Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue states account for a staggering 85 per cent of all confirmed cases reported this year, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in these areas.

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

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The agency attributes the high fatality rate to a combination of factors, including late presentation of patients, poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, inadequate environmental sanitation, low public awareness, and infections among healthcare workers.

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A healthcare worker was infected during Week 24, highlighting the occupational risks faced by frontline health personnel and the need for enhanced protective measures.

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To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has intensified surveillance, activated its multi-sectoral Incident Management System, and deployed rapid response teams to high-burden states, among other measures.

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The agency has also 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.