Nigeria is battling a fresh wave of Lassa fever infections. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported 66 confirmed cases and seven deaths across three consecutive weeks.
The outbreak has spread to 23 states and 111 local government areas, according to the latest NCDC situation reports. Health authorities warned that sustained transmission continues between epidemiological weeks 24 and 26.
Week 24 saw 149 suspected cases, 13 confirmed infections and two deaths recorded nationwide. The numbers climbed in week 25 to 150 suspected cases, 22 confirmed cases and three deaths.
Week 26 proved worse, with 205 suspected cases, 31 confirmed cases, and two deaths logged. The three-week figures totalled 504 suspected cases, 66 confirmed infections and seven deaths.
Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue states account for 85 per cent of confirmed cases this year. The NCDC noted that by week 24, Nigeria had recorded 5,801 suspected cases, 868 confirmed infections and 216 deaths.
The case fatality rate stands at 24.9 per cent, higher than the 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025. The agency blamed late patient presentation, poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs and low public awareness for the elevated fatality rate.
Poor environmental sanitation and infections among healthcare workers have worsened the situation, the NCDC confirmed. One healthcare worker contracted the virus during week 24 alone.
The disease control agency has intensified surveillance and deployed rapid response teams to hard-hit states. It's also strengthened laboratory diagnosis, contact tracing and provided personal protective equipment to healthcare workers.
The NCDC trained health personnel and ramped up public awareness campaigns with local and international partner support. Officials urged Nigerians to maintain good hygiene and avoid contact with rodents.
Citizens must seek immediate medical attention for persistent fever and avoid self-medication, health authorities stressed. Early detection and prompt treatment remain critical to reducing deaths from the viral haemorrhagic disease, they added.
