NIGERIA TV INFO — HEALTH NEWS

NCDC Confirms 70 Lassa Fever Deaths In First Seven Weeks Of 2026

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Saturday confirmed that Nigeria recorded 70 deaths from Lassa fever in the first seven weeks of 2026, raising fresh concerns over the country’s ongoing battle with the viral disease.

According to the agency, a total of 318 cases were confirmed from 1,469 suspected infections reported nationwide between Epidemiological Weeks 1 and 7 (December 29, 2025 – February 15, 2026).

The NCDC said the figures translate to a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 22 percent, indicating the severity of the outbreak. The agency also disclosed that 15 healthcare workers have been infected during the period under review.

Speaking at a press briefing, the NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, noted that the outbreak remains largely concentrated in specific areas of the country.

He explained that five states account for 91 percent of all confirmed cases, while 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) alone contribute 68 percent of the infections recorded so far.

Dr. Idris assured that response efforts have been intensified, including surveillance, case management, risk communication, and coordination with state health authorities to contain the spread.

Health experts continue to urge Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with rodents and contaminated food, and promptly report symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding to the nearest health facility.