Nigeria Reports Six Healthcare Workers Infected With Lassa Fever Amid Rising Cases Across Multiple States

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised fresh alarms after reporting six new Lassa fever infections among healthcare workers within just one week.

The revelation comes as the country continues to contend with the viral haemorrhagic disease, which has affected multiple states across Nigeria.

The latest data was published in the NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 9, covering February 23 to March 1, 2026.

Healthcare Workers on the Frontline

The report highlighted the occupational hazards faced by frontline medical personnel, noting that 37 healthcare workers have been infected with Lassa fever so far in 2026.

The agency emphasized that hospital-based transmission remains a serious concern, particularly in facilities with limited infection prevention resources.

State-Level Overview of Lassa Fever Cases

During the week under review, Nigeria recorded 65 confirmed cases—a slight decline from the previous week’s 77.

The confirmed cases spanned seven states: Benue, Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, and Nasarawa.

The agency also reported 460 suspected cases for the same period, with nine deaths among confirmed cases, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 13.9%.

National Perspective and Year-to-Date Data

Cumulatively in 2026, Nigeria has recorded 2,446 suspected cases and 469 confirmed cases, with 109 deaths.

The overall CFR stands at 23.2%, a noticeable increase from 18.7% during the same period in 2025.

So far, 18 states and 69 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case.

The NCDC attributed the rising fatalities to late presentation at healthcare facilities, poor health-seeking behaviors, and limited awareness in high-burden communities.

Understanding Lassa Fever

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, first identified in 1969 in the town of Lassa.

Endemic to Nigeria and parts of West Africa, it is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected multimammate rats.

Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in healthcare settings lacking adequate infection control.

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While most infections are mild or asymptomatic, around 20% of cases can progress to severe illness, presenting with fever, headache, vomiting, bleeding, and organ failure.

NCDC Response Measures

To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has activated a multi-partner Incident Management System.

Coordinated response efforts include active case searches, contact tracing, distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) to health facilities, and deployment of rapid response teams to affected states.

Healthcare workers are urged to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols to reduce hospital-acquired infections.

Impact and Consequences

• Rising infections among healthcare workers highlight gaps in hospital infection control.

• Increased fatalities reflect late presentation and poor awareness in high-risk communities.

• The higher Case Fatality Rate compared to 2025 signals worsening severity of outbreaks.

• Regional healthcare systems may face additional strain if cases continue to climb.

What’s Next?

The NCDC and partners are expected to expand surveillance and rapid response efforts in high-risk states. Key steps will include:

• Intensified health education campaigns in communities with rising cases.

• Enhanced distribution and use of PPE for frontline workers.

• Strengthening local laboratories for faster diagnosis and reporting.

• Continuous monitoring of hospital-based transmissions to protect healthcare personnel.

Summary

Lassa fever continues to pose a serious threat in Nigeria, particularly to healthcare workers.

The NCDC reports new infections and rising fatalities, prompting enhanced national response measures.

Vigilance, early detection, and strict adherence to infection control protocols remain essential to contain the disease and protect frontline medical personnel.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Six healthcare workers were infected with Lassa fever in one week, raising occupational risk concerns.

• 65 confirmed cases were recorded during Week 9 across seven Nigerian states.

• Cumulative 2026 data: 2,446 suspected cases, 469 confirmed cases, and 109 deaths.

• Overall Case Fatality Rate in 2026 stands at 23.2%, higher than 2025.

• Lassa fever is transmitted via contact with infected rats or human-to-human in hospitals.

• NCDC has activated a multi-partner Incident Management System for outbreak response.

• Key measures include PPE distribution, contact tracing, rapid response teams, and public awareness campaigns.