Nigeria is facing a significant outbreak of Lassa fever, with 318 confirmed cases and 70 deaths recorded between 29 December 2025 and 15 February 2026, health authorities say.
The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) stated that the outbreak is largely concentrated in five states, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Plateau which together account for 91% of the cases. Within these states, 10 local government areas have been identified as the hardest hit.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has activated its Incident Management System and deployed Rapid Response Teams to eight states.
The agency is urging state governments to strengthen contact tracing, enforce infection control measures, and address treatment costs to help contain the spread of the virus.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The NCDC warned that low state ownership of response measures, infections among healthcare workers, and security concerns in some areas are hindering the fight against the disease.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily by rodents, has a high fatality rate if not treated early. Health experts continue to call for increased public awareness and early medical intervention to reduce deaths.