The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised fresh concerns over the spread of Lassa fever after the disease claimed 221 lives across the country within the first six months of 2026. The latest figures indicate a continuing rise in fatalities despite ongoing surveillance and response efforts.
According to recent outbreak reports, Nigeria has recorded hundreds of confirmed cases across multiple states, with the highest burden concentrated in traditional hotspot areas such as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi and Taraba States. Health officials have expressed concern about the disease’s high fatality rate, which has remained above levels recorded during the same period in previous years.
The NCDC is urging Nigerians to maintain strict hygiene practices, store food properly, avoid contact with rodents and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, sore throat, vomiting or unexplained bleeding appear. Public health experts warn that early diagnosis and treatment remain critical to improving survival rates.
The agency has also intensified surveillance and public awareness campaigns as it works with state governments and healthcare facilities to contain further spread of the disease.
