As Nigeria endures the peak of its dry season, a period historically associated with increased Lassa fever infections, new data reveals the virus is tightening its grip. Fatalities are climbing, and healthcare workers face heightened risks.
The latest Situation Report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) for Epidemiological Week 7 (February 9-15, 2026) indicates a significant surge, with 82 new confirmed cases recorded in a single week, up from 74 the previous week. These new infections span 14 states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory. In that same week, 20 deaths were reported, pushing the case fatality rate for the week to 24.4 per cent.
Cumulatively, Nigeria has confirmed 326 cases and 75 deaths out of 1,538 suspected cases between weeks one and seven of 2026. The national case fatality rate now stands at 23 per cent, a notable increase from the 19.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025. Four states—Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, and Edo—are particularly affected, accounting for a staggering 84 per cent of all confirmed cases so far this year, with Bauchi alone contributing 33 per cent.
Young adults between 21 and 30 years remain the most affected age group, with a median age of 30. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:0.8. Alarmingly, five new healthcare workers were infected in the reporting week, highlighting persistent risks within clinical environments.
Health authorities attribute the rising fatality rate to a combination of factors: “late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour driven partly by treatment costs, and weak environmental sanitation in high-burden communities.”
In response, the NCDC has activated a multi-partner Incident Management System to enhance coordination, deployed rapid response teams to the most affected states, distributed essential medical supplies including Ribavirin and personal protective equipment, and intensified surveillance and community engagement efforts.
While the total number of suspected and confirmed cases is still lower than figures from the same time last year, public health experts are urging “urgent vigilance” due to the consistent upward weekly trend and the increasing fatality rate. The overarching message remains clear: “early detection, prompt treatment and strict infection prevention measures remain Nigeria’s strongest defence against the deadly viral haemorrhagic fever.”
