Nigeria Faces Escalating Lassa Fever Crisis
Nigeria is currently grappling with a severe Lassa fever outbreak, with fresh fatalities reported in several states, including Taraba, Benue, Plateau, and Edo. According to national data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), there has been a steady increase in confirmed infections, raising concerns among public health officials and frontline workers.
The impact on healthcare professionals has been particularly alarming, as multiple doctors and nurses have contracted the virus while treating patients. This highlights the risks faced by those on the frontlines of the outbreak.
Taraba State: 35 Deaths in One of the Worst Outbreaks
In Taraba State, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jalingo has reported that 35 patients have died from Lassa fever, marking one of the most severe outbreaks in recent years. Dr. Suleiman Abubakar Kirim, Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, revealed that 226 suspected cases were admitted, with 95 confirmed positive cases. Among these, 35 patients lost their lives, while 20 others were discharged after treatment.
Dr. Kirim also mentioned that three hospital staff members—two medical workers and a driver—contracted the virus. While the doctor and nurse recovered, the driver succumbed to the disease. He praised the efforts of both the federal and state governments in supporting treatment initiatives.
Residents are being urged to maintain clean environments and take measures to prevent rats, which are the primary carriers of the virus, from entering their homes.
Benue State: 10 Health Workers Lose Their Lives
Benue State has seen a significant number of health workers affected by the outbreak. The State Government confirmed that 10 health personnel have died due to infections linked to the outbreak. The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Msuega Asema, noted that 45 cases were confirmed out of 250 suspected infections across the state.
The fatalities included five doctors, four nurses, two community health extension workers, and one hospital porter. Officials described the situation as alarming, attributing infections to human-to-human transmission and lapses in infection prevention protocols.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, said the state declared an outbreak on February 3 and activated containment measures. Surveillance officers have been deployed across the 23 local government areas to strengthen monitoring and contact tracing.
At the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, 28 admissions were recorded between January and February 2026, with 17 confirmed cases and three deaths. The Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi reported that 10 patients are currently on admission, including four infected health workers who are responding to treatment. However, hospital authorities cited inadequate power supply and limited resources as major operational challenges.
Plateau State: Four Deaths Across Seven LGAs
In Plateau State, authorities confirmed four deaths and 11 positive cases across seven local government areas: Quanpan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South, and Mangu. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, said the outbreak was first detected on December 20, 2025, following a reported case in Quanpan LGA.
From December until now, 11 positive cases have been confirmed in Plateau State. Four deaths were recorded—two at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, one at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, and one at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital. One of the fatalities was a medical practitioner, while another doctor is currently receiving treatment.
Edo State: Six Deaths in Spiked Outbreak
In Edo State, authorities have formally declared an outbreak following a spike in confirmed cases. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, disclosed that 29 cases have been confirmed, with six deaths recorded, particularly in Etsako West and Esan West local government areas.
Oshiomhole emphasized the need for early reporting of symptoms such as persistent fever, sore throat, bleeding, and weakness. He urged residents to maintain proper food storage, keep their homes clean, avoid contact with rodents, and promptly report any symptoms.
Nationwide Rise in Infections
According to the NCDC’s Epidemiological Week 7 Situation Report (February 9-15, 2026), confirmed cases have increased from 74 in Week 6 to 82 in Week 7. Cases were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Kano, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, and Benue states.
So far in 2026, Nigeria has recorded 82 confirmed cases and 75 deaths, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23 percent—higher than the 19.7 percent recorded during the same period in 2025. Sixteen states across 58 local government areas have reported confirmed cases, with Bauchi, Taraba, Ondo, and Edo accounting for approximately 84 percent of infections.
Young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the most affected demographic group. Five healthcare workers were newly infected during the reporting week.
Prevention Remains Key
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected multimammate rats. It can also spread from person to person, especially in healthcare settings without adequate infection prevention and control measures.
Symptoms include fever, headache, general weakness, sore throat, chest pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may experience bleeding, respiratory distress, organ failure, and death. Early diagnosis and treatment, particularly with the antiviral drug ribavirin, significantly improve survival rates.
Public health experts emphasize that prevention remains the most effective tool in curbing the spread of Lassa fever, especially in endemic states. Dr. Emmanuel Okeke, a public health physician and infectious disease specialist, stressed the importance of environmental hygiene and early reporting of symptoms.
He recommended proper food storage in rodent-proof containers and maintaining clean homes to discourage rodent infestation. Regular waste disposal, clearing of bushes around homes, and blocking entry points where rodents can gain access are essential preventive steps.
Okeke also warned against bush burning, noting that it often drives infected rodents into residential areas. Anyone experiencing persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding should seek immediate medical attention.
The NCDC urges Nigerians to seek medical care early and to contact its toll-free line, 6232, for more information.
