Six Health Workers Contract Lassa Fever in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed that six healthcare workers contracted Lassa fever within one week, highlighting fresh concerns regarding occupational exposure among frontline health personnel. This information was part of the Lassa fever situation report for epidemiological week 9, covering February 23 to March 1, 2026.

The report indicated that Nigeria has recorded a total of 65 confirmed cases of Lassa fever during that week, a slight decline from the 77 cases reported the previous week. Cumulatively, 37 healthcare workers have been infected in 2026, with nine deaths recorded among confirmed cases, representing a case fatality rate (CFR) of 13.9%.

The NCDC attributed the increase in fatalities partly to late presentation of cases and poor health-seeking behavior. The agency urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control measures to reduce hospital-based transmission.