The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that Lassa fever claimed 75 lives across Nigeria and infected five healthcare workers between January and mid-February 2026.
The case fatality rate has risen to 23 per cent, highlighting the severity of the outbreak. According to the NCDC’s Epidemiological Week 7 report, covering 9 to 15 February, 82 new confirmed cases were recorded, up from 74 the previous week. So far this year, Nigeria has reported 326 confirmed cases, four probable cases, and 1,538 suspected cases.
The 2026 fatality rate of 23 per cent is higher than the 19.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025, showing the outbreak is becoming deadlier.
Confirmed cases were reported in 14 states: Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Benue. Overall, 16 states across 58 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case this year.
Most cases—about 84 per cent—were concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, and Edo states, with Bauchi recording the highest number of infections. Young adults aged 21 to 30 are the most affected, but cases range from one to 90 years. The male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8.
The infection of healthcare workers has raised serious concerns about infection prevention and control in health facilities. The NCDC noted that although the total number of cases is lower than last year, late hospital visits and poor health-seeking behaviour are contributing to the rising death rate.
The national Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate the response. States have been urged to intensify community awareness campaigns and preventive measures to stop further spread of the disease.
