Lassa Fever Outbreak Worsens in Nigeria, 660 Cases, 167 Deaths Recorded — Health Commissioner

The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, has raised alarm over a worsening Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria, disclosing that the country is currently facing one of its most severe public health challenges in recent years, with more than 660 confirmed cases and 167 deaths recorded between January and mid-March 2026.
He said the disease has now spread across 22 states and 93 local government areas, describing the situation as a “serious national health concern” that requires urgent, coordinated and proactive intervention.
Abayomi expressed concern over the infection of healthcare workers, noting that at least 38 medical personnel have contracted the virus, while three doctors have died from complications. He described this development as a critical warning sign.
“When a disease begins to kill frontline workers, that is a serious warning sign,” he said. “It underscores the need for heightened vigilance, strict infection prevention protocols and rapid response systems.”
He explained that Lassa fever is a highly contagious zoonotic disease transmitted mainly from rodents and contaminated food to humans, and can also spread between people. He noted that the illness often presents as a haemorrhagic fever, which can cause internal bleeding and high fever.
The Commissioner further warned that in a densely populated city like Lagos, infectious diseases could spread rapidly if not contained early, referencing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the nature of transmission is now becoming less seasonal, with evidence suggesting year-round spread driven by increased human contact with rodents and environmental changes.
He also revealed that about 70 percent of infected persons may show mild or no symptoms, making silent transmission a major concern, especially in urban areas. According to him, one in five symptomatic cases develops severe complications that can lead to death if not treated early.
Abayomi classified Lassa fever alongside other high-risk viral diseases such as Ebola and Marburg virus disease, describing them as high-consequence pathogens capable of overwhelming health systems if not properly managed.
He attributed the rising incidence of such diseases to climate change, deforestation and ecological disruption, which are increasing contact between humans and disease-carrying rodents.
To contain the outbreak, he said Lagos State has strengthened its preparedness strategy through a 24-hour emergency operations centre, improved surveillance systems, deployment of digital health tools, and continuous training of healthcare workers on infection prevention and biosecurity.
Abayomi stressed that preparedness must be proactive rather than reactive, adding that early detection, rapid isolation and effective case management remain central to preventing further escalation.
He assured residents that the state government is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the Federal Ministry of Health, and partner institutions, including Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, to strengthen response efforts and improve public awareness.
He added that a new awareness campaign will focus on community education, capacity building for healthcare workers, and preventive measures aimed at reducing transmission risks.
“We urge residents to remain calm but vigilant. With collective responsibility and adherence to public health guidelines, we can contain this outbreak and protect our communities,” he said.