The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concern over a surge in Lassa fever cases across 18 states and 67 local government areas, urging governors to strengthen response efforts as the country enters the peak transmission period of the dry season.
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In a situation report issued on Tuesday and signed by its Director-General, Jide Idris, the agency said five states — Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue — account for more than 80 per cent of confirmed infections recorded as of Epidemiological Week 8, 2026.
Of particular concern, the agency disclosed, is the growing number of infections among healthcare workers. A total of 28 health workers have been infected this season, with three deaths recorded.
The NCDC noted that Lassa fever follows a predictable seasonal pattern in Nigeria, with peak transmission typically occurring between November and April. It said current surveillance data show that most cases are concentrated within known endemic areas.
However, field investigations have revealed operational gaps contributing to sustained transmission and increased mortality. These include infections occurring in general outpatient and maternity settings, poor adherence to Infection Prevention and Control protocols, inadequate pre-positioning of Personal Protective Equipment, delayed patient presentation linked in some cases to financial barriers, and weak activation or monitoring of State Incident Management Systems.
Other challenges identified include lapses in contact tracing and active case searches in some local government areas, persistent stigma and misconceptions affecting early care-seeking, and the management of patients in isolation centres that fall short of recommended standards.
The agency stressed that while it provides national coordination and technical support, outbreak response implementation and health service delivery are primarily the responsibility of state governments under Nigeria’s federal structure.
“Sustainable reduction in mortality and prevention of healthcare worker infections require strengthened implementation, accountability, and timely resource prioritisation at the state level,” the statement said.
The increasing infections among healthcare workers, the agency warned, underscore the urgent need for strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control standards, heightened clinical suspicion, and early case identification in all health facilities.
To curb transmission and reduce deaths, the NCDC urged state governments to fully activate and monitor State Incident Management Systems in affected and high-risk areas, and to urgently release outbreak preparedness and response funds to support surveillance, laboratory operations, logistics, case management, and community awareness campaigns.
It also called for state-wide enforcement of Infection Prevention and Control measures across public and private facilities, continuous availability of protective equipment in high-burden local government areas, and financial protection mechanisms to reduce late presentation and high case fatality rates.
The agency further advised states to institutionalise and intensify rodent control, environmental sanitation, and safe food storage practices in endemic communities, using a One Health approach that involves the ministries of health, environment, and agriculture.
Beyond Lassa fever, the NCDC said Nigeria is concurrently responding to other epidemic-prone diseases, including Cerebrospinal Meningitis, Diphtheria, Mpox, and Cholera, warning that strengthening preparedness at the state level would enhance overall national health security.
The agency urged members of the public to maintain clean environments, block holes in homes to prevent rodent entry, store food in tightly sealed containers, avoid drying food by the roadside, and eliminate rats using safe methods.
It also advised Nigerians to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid overcrowded living conditions, and refrain from self-medication.
“Visit the nearest health facility if you notice any signs and symptoms associated with Lassa fever or call 6232. Early identification and treatment save lives,” the agency stated, emphasising that the disease is treatable and outcomes improve significantly with early detection.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting states in safeguarding public health as the country navigates the current peak season.
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