Nigeria is expected to record 229 deaths from Lassa fever in 2026... Will it become a regional threat?

Written by: Mohammed Omran

Nigeria is facing a new wave of Lassa fever, after health authorities recorded a rise in confirmed cases and deaths in recent weeks, renewing concerns about the ability of Africa's most populous nation to contain one of the most dangerous endemic viral diseases in West Africa.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced that it had recorded 963 confirmed cases and 229 deaths from the beginning of 2026 until the 28th epidemiological week, with a mortality rate of 23.8%, which is higher than the rate recorded during the same period in 2025, which was 18.7%.

This comes after the number of new infections rose to 25 cases in the 28th epidemiological week, compared to only 14 cases in the previous week, indicating continued transmission despite preventive measures.

What is Lassa fever?

Lassa fever is an acute viral disease belonging to the group of hemorrhagic fevers. It is transmitted to humans primarily through exposure to the urine or feces of rodents, especially the “multi-temple rat,” which is the natural reservoir for the virus.

The disease can also be transmitted between humans through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, which makes healthcare workers among the most vulnerable groups if infection control measures are not followed.

Lassa fever is mainly prevalent in a number of West African countries, most notably Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

Figures reveal the extent of the spread

According to data from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, the number of confirmed cases rose from 936 cases and 224 deaths in week 27 to 963 cases and 229 deaths in week 28.

The disease has also spread, with 23 Nigerian states reporting at least one case, while the number of affected local government areas has increased from 113 to 114 in one week.

The majority of infections are concentrated in five states:

Ondo, Baochi, Taraba, Beno, and Edo.

These states alone accounted for 86% of the total recorded infections in week 28, compared to 85% in the previous week.

Young people are most affected

The data showed that the 21-30 age group remains the most affected by the disease, which is worrying given that this group represents the largest segment of the country's workforce and production.

The 28th week also recorded an infection among healthcare workers, after no infections were recorded among medical staff during the previous week.

Why are deaths rising?

Health experts believe that the high death rate may be linked to several factors, including:

The cases were discovered late.

Patients arrive at hospitals in advanced stages.

Limited health services in some areas.

Lack of awareness of the disease's symptoms and transmission methods.

Continued transmission of the infection within local communities.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control confirms that rapid diagnosis and early treatment greatly increase the chances of survival.

containment efforts

The center called for intensifying epidemiological surveillance, early reporting of cases, and providing immediate treatment for those infected, in addition to tightening infection control measures within hospitals.

He also stressed the importance of community awareness campaigns, improving public hygiene, and reducing the spread of rodents inside homes and food stores, as the primary means of preventing the disease.

Ongoing challenges

Despite government efforts, Lassa fever remains an annual challenge to Nigeria’s health system, with recurring outbreaks putting significant pressure on hospitals and health care centers, particularly in states with the highest infection rates.

With the death rate this year higher than in 2025, there are increasing calls to boost investment in early warning systems, improve laboratory capabilities, and expand awareness and prevention programs to reduce the spread of the disease and decrease the number of deaths in the coming period.