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2 March 2026 | NCDC Calls for Strengthened State-Level Action as Lassa Fever Cases Rise During Peak Season

2 March 2026 | NCDC Calls for Strengthened State-Level Action as Lassa Fever Cases Rise During

Peak Season

Issued by: Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is calling for strengthened state-level

response measures as Lassa fever cases continue to rise during the peak transmission period of the dry

season (November–April).

As of Epidemiological Week 8, 2026, Nigeria has recorded a concerning number of Lassa fever cases

and deaths involving 18 states and 67 LGAs. Five states — Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue —

account for over 80% of confirmed cases.

Of particular concern is the increase in infections among healthcare workers, with 28 confirmed

infections and 3 deaths recorded this season.

Lassa fever follows a predictable seasonal and geographic pattern in Nigeria. High-burden states are

known, peak months are well documented, and national clinical and Infection Prevention and Control

(IPC) guidelines are established.

Current surveillance and field assessments indicate that transmission is occurring largely within known

endemic areas. However, investigations this season have highlighted operational gaps that are

contributing to ongoing transmission and higher mortality. These include:

• Infections occurring in general outpatient and maternity settings of health facilities

• Suboptimal adherence to IPC protocols

• Inadequate pre-positioning of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Delayed patient presentation, sometimes linked to financial barriers

• 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

• 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.

National Coordination and State Responsibility

Under Nigeria’s federal structure, outbreak response implementation and health service delivery

standards are primarily the responsibility of state governments.

NCDC continues to provide comprehensive national support and coordination across the response

spectrum.

Sustainable reduction in mortality and the prevention of healthcare worker infections require

strengthened implementation, accountability, and timely resource prioritisation at the state level.

The increasing number of healthcare worker infections is particularly concerning and 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.

Urgent State-Level Actions to Reduce Mortality and Strengthen Outbreak Control

NCDC urges all State Governments to prioritise the following immediate actions to reduce transmission,

protect healthcare workers, and lower mortality during this peak transmission period:

1) Ensure full activation and monitoring of the State Incident Management Systems in affected and highrisk states.

2) 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.

3) Mandate state-wide enforcement of IPC and compliance across all public and private health facilities.

4) Ensure continuous availability of PPEs and other critical supplies in high-burden LGAs.

5) Accelerate financial protection mechanisms to reduce late presentation and high Case Fatality Rate

(CFR).

6) Institutionalize and intensify rodent control, environmental sanitation and food storage practices in

endemic areas using the One Health platform (i.e. involving the relevant ministries -environment,

agriculture and not only Health).

We also urge all our healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion as well as apply strict IPC

guidelines to all patients, always regardless of diagnosis. These measures are practical within existing

state governance structures and, if implemented decisively, can significantly reduce preventable deaths

during the current peak season.

In addition to Lassa fever, Nigeria is concurrently managing other epidemic-prone diseases, including

Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), Diphtheria, Mpox, and Cholera.

Strengthening preparedness and response systems at the state level will reinforce Nigeria’s overall health

security capacity across all disease threats.

Public Advisory

NCDC advises members of the public to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of Lassa

fever:

• Always keep your environment clean, especially homes, markets, and dump sites, to reduce

breeding grounds for rats.

• Block all holes in your house to prevent the entry of rats and other rodents.

• Cover your dustbins and dispose of refuse or waste properly. Communities should set up dump sites

far from their homes to reduce the chances of rodent entry.

• Safely store food items such as rice, garri, beans, and maize in tightly sealed or well covered

containers.

• Avoid drying foodstuffs outside on the ground or roadside, where it is at risk of contamination.

• Discourage bush burning and deforestation, as these activities destroy rodents’ habitats, driving

them closer to human residences.

• Eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps or using other appropriate and safe

means.

• Practice good personal and hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap under running

water or using hand sanitizers when necessary.

• Avoid overcrowded living areas, as overcrowding leads to poor sanitation.

• Avoid self-medication. Seek proper diagnosis and early treatment from a health facility.

• Visit the nearest health facility if you notice any signs and symptoms associated with Lassa fever or

call the State Ministry of Health hotline or 6232 (NCDC). Early identification and treatment save

lives.

Lassa fever is treatable, and outcomes are significantly improved when cases are detected and managed

early.

NCDC remains committed to supporting all states in safeguarding the health of Nigerians.

CONTACT

NCDC Toll-free Number: 6232| X: NCDCGov | Facebook: @NCDCgov | Instagram: @NCDCgov |

NCDC Media Releases

Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay healthy.

Signed:

Dr. Jide Idris

Director General

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.