85% of Lassa fever cases concentrated in five states – NCDC
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released a situation report highlighting the spread of Lassa fever across the country. According to the report, a small number of states continue to bear the brunt of infections, with five states accounting for 85 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded so far this year.
Bauchi state tops the list, accounting for 28 per cent of infections, followed closely by Ondo with 21 per cent, and Taraba with 19 per cent. Benue and Edo states trail behind, with nine per cent and eight per cent of cases respectively.
The remaining 15 per cent of cases were spread across 15 other states, with a total of 20 states and 78 local government areas reporting at least one confirmed case so far in 2026.
During Epidemiological Week 10, cases were recorded in eight states, including Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Edo, Kogi, Gombe, and Cross River.
The NCDC's report paints a grim picture of the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, with a disproportionate number of cases concentrated in a few states. The agency's call for state governments to strengthen community engagement and improve prevention strategies is a welcome step, but it is imperative that these efforts are translated into tangible actions. The fact that 38 healthcare workers have been infected so far this year highlights the need for improved infection prevention and control measures in health facilities. The NCDC's efforts to deploy National Rapid Response Teams and distribute personal protective equipment are commendable, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the outbreak, including poor environmental sanitation and low awareness levels in affected communities. As the country continues to grapple with the outbreak, it is essential that the NCDC's recommendations are taken seriously, and that state governments and healthcare workers work together to prevent further transmission and reduce the number of deaths.
