The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that five healthcare workers were infected during the latest reporting week as Lassa fever claimed 75 lives nationwide between January and mid‑February 2026.
The case fatality rate has risen to 23 per cent, underscoring the severity of the outbreak.
In its Epidemiological Week 7 report, covering 9 to 15 February, the agency recorded 82 new confirmed cases, up from 74 in the preceding week. This brings the total to 326 confirmed cases and four probable cases out of 1,538 suspected cases reported so far this year.
The NCDC noted that the 23 per cent fatality rate in 2026 is significantly higher than the 19.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
Confirmed cases during the reporting week were recorded in 14 states: Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna and Benue. Overall, 16 states across 58 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case this year.
About 84 per cent of confirmed cases were concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Edo states, with Bauchi accounting for the highest number of infections. Young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the most affected group, though cases range from one to 90 years. The male‑to‑female ratio stands at 1:0.8.
The infection of healthcare workers has raised concerns about infection prevention and control measures in health facilities.
Although suspected and confirmed cases are lower compared to the same period last year, the NCDC identified late presentation of patients and poor health‑seeking behaviour as contributing factors to the rising fatality rate.
The national Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response efforts, while states have been urged to intensify community sensitisation and preventive measures to curb further spread.
