The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a surge in Lassa fever infections nationwide, reporting 82 new confirmed cases and 20 deaths in a single week, the agency said in its Epidemiological Week 7 situation report released Tuesday March 3, 2026.

According to the NCDC, the weekly figures show an increase from 74 confirmed cases in the previous week to 82, with the virus spreading across 14 states including Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna and Benue, indicating widespread transmission of the disease.

The agency warned that the case fatality rate (CFR) has climbed to about 23 per cent, significantly higher than the 19.7 per cent recorded over the same period in 2025, and reported that five healthcare workers have been infected this week, highlighting the risk to frontline health personnel.

So far in 2026, the NCDC says Nigeria has recorded over 326 confirmed Lassa fever cases from 1 538 suspected infections, with fatalities totalling at least 75 deaths nationwide, raising concerns about rising disease severity.

The agency has activated multi-sectoral response systems, deploying rapid response teams to high-burden states and working with partners such as the World Health Organisation and UNICEF to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) Ribavirin and other response supplies aimed at controlling the outbreak.

NCDC also urged Nigerians to strengthen community surveillance adopt preventive measures reduce rodent exposure and seek early medical attention to limit further spread of Lassa fever.