The Lassa fever challenge

The resurgence of Lassa fever across 18 states and 67 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the country, with 75 related deaths, is quite disturbing. The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, had noted that as of Epidemiological Week 8, 2026, Nigeria recorded a concerning number of Lassa fever cases and deaths. He also disclosed that five states, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue accounted for over 80 percent of the confirmed cases, and of particular concern was the increase in infections among healthcare workers.

Taraba state recorded the highest number of deaths with 24 fatalities. Bauchi followed with 19 deaths, while Plateau recorded eight fatalities. Ondo, Edo and Benue states each reported five deaths within the same period. Ebonyi accounted for three deaths, while Nasarawa and Kogi recorded two deaths each. Kano and Kebbi states reported one death apiece. Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and Benue accounted for more than 80 per cent of confirmed cases recorded during the 2026 peak transmission season.

The fatality rate is higher than the 19.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025. NCDC described as particularly worrisome the growing infections among healthcare workers, with 28 confirmed cases and three deaths reported so far, stressing that the development underscores the urgent need for strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards, heightened clinical suspicion, and early case identification across all health facilities. NCDC attributed the sustained transmission and rising fatalities to operational gaps at the state level, urging urgent action to strengthen outbreak response and control measures.

Lassa fever, according to the agency, follows a predictable seasonal and geographic pattern in Nigeria. The high-burden states are known, peak months are well documented, and national clinical and IPC guidelines are also established. Current surveillance and field assessments indicate that transmission is occurring largely within known endemic areas. Despite these precautionary measures, the fatality rate so far recorded is worrisome.

NCDC identified operational gaps that are contributing to ongoing transmission and higher mortality. Some of them include infections occurring in general outpatient and maternity settings of health facilities; suboptimal adherence to IPC protocols, and inadequate pre-positioning of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Others are delayed patient presentation; inconsistent activation or monitoring of state incident management systems; gaps in contact tracing and active case search in some LGAs; persistent stigma and misconceptions affecting early care-seeking; and management of cases in isolation centres that do not fully meet recommended standards. These findings underscore the importance of sustained implementation of existing response frameworks.

However, the NCDC has pledged to continue providing comprehensive national support and coordination across the response spectrum to attain sustainable reduction in mortality and the prevention of healthcare workers infections. We commend the agency for raising the alarm and its bold efforts in assisting the affected states epidemiologists and providing facilities for treatment. We also urge state governments to key into the agenda of the NCDC by prioritising infection prevention and control measures to reduce transmission, protect healthcare workers, and lower the mortality rate.

Let the states also ensure full activation and monitoring of the state incident management systems in the affected and high-risk states. They should urgently approve and release outbreak preparedness and response funds to support surveillance activities, pillar coordination, mobility of field teams, laboratory operations, logistics, IPC, case management, community awareness campaign activities by actively engaging traditional, religious and community leaders to reinforce behaviour. Facilities used in tackling the COVID-19 epidemic should be activated and used in combating Lassa fever. Resources donated by international organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), and individual bodies towards combating the disease should be used transparently.

Lassa fever is treatable with improved outcomes when detected early. According to experts, Lassa fever, also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever, is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. Many of those infected by the virus do not develop symptoms. When symptoms occur, they typically include fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, and muscle pains. Less commonly, there may be bleeding from the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.

The risk of death once infected is about one per cent and frequently occurs within two weeks of the onset of symptoms. Of those who survive, about a quarter have hearing loss, which improves within three months in about half of these cases. The disease is usually initially spread to people via contact with the urine or feces of an infected multimammate mouse. Other rodents can also act as carriers of the virus. Its spread can then occur via direct contact between people. Diagnosis based on symptoms is difficult, except by laboratory testing.

Tackling the disease demands proactive actions by the government and the people. Maintaining a clean environment is a strategic step in preventing the spread of the disease. Affected individuals should visit government health facilities and not resort to self-medication. Government should enlighten the public about the disease, preventive measures and treatment options.