Nigeria Reports 318 Lassa Fever Cases, 70 Deaths in 2026

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 318 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 70 deaths within the first seven weeks of 2026, from December 29, 2025, to February 15, 2026. The outbreak is geographically concentrated in five states, accounting for 91% of confirmed cases, with ten local government areas responsible for 68% of infections.

The case fatality rate stands at 22%, with 15 healthcare workers infected. Dr. Jide Idri, NCDC's Director General, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment to improve survival rates.

The NCDC is coordinating a national response, deploying rapid response teams to affected states, including Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Benue, and Jigawa. Challenges in containing the outbreak include weak state-level ownership, stigma, and delays in seeking care.

The NCDC urged state governments to intensify case searches and contact tracing while advising citizens to maintain hygiene and seek medical care for persistent fevers.