Reporting by Vanguard indicates that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a total of 70 deaths resulting from Lassa fever in the first seven weeks of 2026. With 318 confirmed cases spread across several states, health authorities are raising the alarm over the rapid transmission of the viral hemorrhagic fever during the current dry season.
The NCDC is reportedly intensifying its surveillance and response activities, particularly in hotspots where the rodent-borne disease is most prevalent. Public health experts are calling for increased community hygiene awareness and early reporting of symptoms to reduce the high fatality rate associated with the current outbreak.
In an update published by The Cable, it was revealed that the casualty count is significantly higher than the same period in previous years, suggesting a more virulent strain or a breakdown in localized prevention measures. The report urges state governments to release emergency funds for medical supplies.
ThisDay validated the figures, quoting a health official: “Our isolation centers in the South-West are reaching capacity.”
Daily Trust also reported on the crisis, noting that “the lack of specialized diagnostic kits in rural areas is delaying treatment for hundreds of suspected cases.”
Echotitbits take:
Lassa fever remains a perennial threat, but 70 deaths in just seven weeks is an alarming spike. This highlights a critical need for a national vaccine strategy and better waste management in urban slums. The coming months will be crucial for containment before the rainy season alters the transmission dynamics.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/lassa-fever-kills-70-in-7-weeks-318-confirmed-cases/, and February 22, 2026
Photo credit: CDC
