… NCDC Raises Alarm As Outbreak Spreads Across 23 States, 116 LGAs; Fatality Rate Climbs To 23.7
Ayomide Awe
Nigeria has recorded 1,000 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 237 deaths since the beginning of 2026, with 53 healthcare workers among those infected, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said.
The latest figures underscore the continuing danger posed by the viral disease, particularly to frontline health workers who are exposed while caring for infected patients.
The NCDC disclosed this in its latest Lassa fever situation report for epidemiological week 30, covering July 20 to 26, 2026.
According to the agency, 17 new confirmed cases and six deaths were recorded during the week, pushing the cumulative number of confirmed infections to 1,000 and fatalities to 237.
The case fatality rate also rose marginally from 23.5 per cent in week 29 to 23.7 per cent in week 30.
The outbreak has spread across 23 states and 116 Local Government Areas, with five states accounting for 86 per cent of all confirmed infections.
Ondo State recorded the highest share with 32 per cent, followed by Bauchi with 25 per cent, Taraba 13 per cent, Edo 10 per cent and Benue six per cent.
The NCDC said one additional healthcare worker tested positive during the reporting week, bringing the total number of health workers infected with Lassa fever in 2026 to 53.
The agency described infections among healthcare workers as one of the major challenges undermining efforts to contain the outbreak.
In response, the NCDC said it had developed a 30-day Healthcare Worker Protection Plan aimed at reducing infections among frontline personnel in states with a high burden of the disease.
The plan is being implemented with support from the World Health Organisation and the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
The agency said measures include training frontline health workers, strengthening infection prevention and control systems, pre-positioning personal protective equipment and providing technical assistance to investigate and prevent infections among healthcare workers.
The NCDC identified late presentation of patients at health facilities as one of the major factors contributing to the high fatality rate.
It also linked poor health-seeking behaviour to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of Lassa fever.
Other challenges identified by the agency include poor environmental sanitation, inadequate awareness in communities with high disease burden and continued infections among healthcare workers.
The NCDC therefore called for sustained community engagement throughout the year to improve awareness of Lassa fever prevention and encourage early presentation for medical care.
It also urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for the disease, ensure prompt referral and treatment of suspected cases, and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease primarily transmitted to humans through food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents.
Human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with infected bodily fluids, particularly in healthcare settings where adequate infection prevention measures are not observed.
The disease may initially present with symptoms such as fever, weakness and headache but can progress to severe complications when treatment is delayed.
The NCDC has repeatedly stressed the importance of early detection and treatment, particularly in areas where Lassa fever is endemic.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
