NCDC Records Rise in Lassa Fever Cases as Death Toll Hits 229

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says Lassa fever cases are still climbing, with the death toll reaching 229 in 2026. The latest reporting shows that the outbreak remains active across several states, even as health authorities intensify surveillance and response measures.

The disease has continued to spread in the usual high-burden states, with Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo repeatedly identified as the main epicentres. These states account for most confirmed cases this year, which is why the NCDC is urging stronger local action rather than relying only on national-level announcements.

A major concern is the continued rise in infections among healthcare workers. That is significant because when health workers are exposed, the outbreak can become harder to manage, treatment capacity can shrink, and fear within facilities can delay care for other patients.

The NCDC has called for urgent state-level action, including full activation of incident management systems, stronger infection prevention and control measures, better supply of personal protective equipment and improved community engagement. It also wants states to fund response activities more seriously so that preventable deaths can be reduced.

Lassa fever is especially dangerous because many patients do not seek help early, and symptoms can resemble other common illnesses at first. By the time some cases are confirmed, the disease may already have progressed to severe stages, which helps explain the high number of deaths compared with the number of confirmed infections.

The outbreak also highlights the importance of public health preparedness at the state level. The NCDC has repeatedly emphasized surveillance, laboratory testing, case management and public awareness as the main tools for controlling the disease. If these systems are weak in a state, outbreaks can spread faster and case fatality rates can rise.

For ordinary Nigerians, the message remains the same: prevention is critical. Keeping homes clean, storing food properly, controlling rodent access, disposing of waste safely and seeking medical care early when symptoms appear can all help reduce risk. Public awareness matters because Lassa fever often spreads through contact with food or household environments contaminated by rodents.

The rise in deaths to 229 is a reminder that Lassa fever remains one of Nigeria’s most serious recurring health threats. Until states strengthen response systems and communities adopt stricter prevention habits, the disease will likely continue to cause avoidable illness and loss of life.