Health
Lassa fever outbreak kills 70 in Nigeria so far in 2026
Nigeria records 70 Lassa fever deaths and 318 confirmed cases in the first seven weeks of 2026, with heightened risk to healthcare workers amid ongoing containment efforts.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reports 70 deaths from Lassa fever in the first seven epidemiological weeks of 2026, with 318 confirmed cases out of 1,469 suspected infections nationwide. The case fatality rate stands at about 22 percent, and infections are concentrated in several high‑burden states, including Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Edo. The NCDC has activated a national Incident Management System and deployed Rapid Response Teams to eight affected states, while distributing treatment supplies and personal protective equipment. Officials emphasize strengthening infection prevention in health facilities and addressing misinformation, including recent rumors linked to a NYSC camp in Kwara State.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Nigeria (multiple states including Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo)
- Date added
- 2026-03-26 04:54 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-26 04:54 UTC
- Source
- Arise TV
- Connected threats
- Not provided