Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Plateau account for 92 percent of infections as agency activates emergency response
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 31 deaths from Lassa fever in the first five weeks of 2026, with nine health workers among those infected, according to the agency's latest situation report.
The figures underscore the persistent threat posed by the viral haemorrhagic illness, which remains endemic in Nigeria and parts of West Africa. Between January and mid-February, over 754 suspected cases were reported, out of which 165 were confirmed.
Geographic Distribution
The disease has spread across nine states and 33 local government areas, with five states accounting for 92 percent of all confirmed infections.
| State | Share of Confirmed Cases |
| Bauchi | 47% |
| Ondo | 18% |
| Taraba | 14% |
| Edo | 8% |
| Plateau | 5% |
The remaining eight percent of cases were reported from four additional states with confirmed infections.
Demographics
The NCDC report indicates that the predominant age group affected is 21-30 years, with cases ranging from one to 74 years and a median age of 28. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases stands at 1:0.8.
Current Management
As of the reporting period, 135 confirmed cases were being managed at treatment centres across the affected states. At least 110 suspected cases are undergoing contact tracing and follow-up investigations.
The number of suspected and confirmed cases represents a decrease compared to the same period in 2025, offering a glimmer of positive news amid the outbreak.
Emergency Response
The NCDC has activated comprehensive response measures, including:
- A high-level field mission to Bauchi State, which recorded nearly half of all confirmed cases
- Activation of the Incident Management System of the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre
- Analysis of samples across the laboratory network to guide prompt diagnosis and treatment
- Advocacy for a dedicated budget line to support field activities for Lassa fever prevention and control
Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an acute haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family. It is an animal-borne disease spread by the common African rat, also known as the mastomys rat species.
Humans typically become infected through exposure to food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected rats. Person-to-person transmission can occur through contact with infected bodily fluids, particularly in healthcare settings without adequate infection prevention and control measures.
Healthcare Worker Vulnerability
The infection of nine health workers highlights the particular vulnerability of those on the front lines of outbreak response. Inadequate personal protective equipment, exposure during patient care, and challenges in early identification of cases all contribute to elevated risks for healthcare personnel.
The Road Ahead
With 135 active cases under treatment and ongoing contact tracing efforts, the next weeks will be critical in determining whether the outbreak can be contained. The NCDC's emergency response, combined with public awareness campaigns about prevention measures, represents the primary defence against further spread.
For the families of the 31 deceased, the warning comes too late. For health workers continuing to care for infected patients despite the risks, the fight continues. And for millions of Nigerians living in endemic areas, the message remains: rat-proof your homes, store food safely, and seek immediate care if symptoms develop.
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