Nigeria Reports 1,000 Lassa Fever Cases in 2026

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 1,000 cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria for the year 2026, resulting in 237 deaths. Among the infected are 53 healthcare workers, underscoring the risks faced by frontline responders.

The NCDC's situation reports for epidemiological weeks 29 and 30, covering July 13-26, 2026, indicated 17 new cases and six deaths in Week 30. The case fatality rate slightly increased from 23.5% in Week 29 to 23.7% in Week 30.

A total of 23 states have reported confirmed cases across 116 local government areas, with Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue accounting for 86% of cases. The NCDC noted one new healthcare worker infection in Week 30.

To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has initiated a 30-day Healthcare Worker Protection Plan with support from WHO and CDC, focusing on training, infection prevention, and providing personal protective equipment. Challenges include late patient presentation and high treatment costs affecting health-seeking behavior.