NCDC Warns of Lassa Fever Peak Season in Nigeria

On 16 September 2026, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) issued a warning regarding the impending peak season for Lassa fever. Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of NCDC, emphasized the need for states and local governments to adopt proactive measures to combat the disease.

Key challenges identified include delayed patient presentation, infections among healthcare workers, poor sanitation, exposure to rodents, and inadequate outbreak preparedness. The five high-burden states—Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue—account for 86% of Lassa fever cases in 2026.

Lassa fever, which is endemic in Nigeria, poses a significant public health risk, particularly during the dry season from November to April. By December 2024, NCDC recorded 1,154 confirmed cases and 190 deaths, with a Case Fatality Rate of 15.4%.

The disease, caused by the Lassa virus, can lead to severe symptoms and complications, including hearing loss in survivors.