NCDC raises alarm as lassa fever kills two, infects 15 health workers

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised the alarm over a rising number of health workers infected with Lassa fever.

The Centre, in a statement on Monday, disclosed that 15 healthcare workers had contracted the disease with two fatalities recorded so far in 2026.

The NCDC issued a Public Health Advisory, as part of its intensified national response, urging all healthcare workers to adhere strictly to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures.

The advisory highlighted that the Country is currently at the peak of transmission season for Lassa fever.

Read also: Health experts raise alarm over lassa fever risks, provides safety tips

The Agency also urged health workers to report suspected cases or exposures promptly, and to ensure early isolation and referral in order to protect themselves, their colleagues and patients from further transmission.

At least 31 deaths have been reported from Lassa fever, with over 754 suspected cases recorded across 33 Local Government Areas in nine States.

The reported deaths represent a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.8%, slightly lower than the 19.6% CFR recorded for the same period in 2025, according to the NCDC Lassa fever situation report.

In total for 2026, nine States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 33 Local Government Areas.

Also, 92% of all confirmed cases were reported from five States, namely, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Plateau, while the remaining 8% came from four other States with confirmed cases.

Of the 92% confirmed cases, Bauchi accounted for 47%, Ondo 18%, Taraba 14%, Edo 8%, and Plateau 5%.