February 09, 2026
Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria: Key Facts, Affected States, Causes, and Prevention
- Oregbesan Peace, SRHIN
Nigeria is experiencing a rise in Lassa fever cases, a viral disease that recurs annually and continues to cause fatalities due to late detection, misinformation, and inadequate prevention. Recent updates from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirm cases in several states, prompting renewed public health warnings.
This article explains Lassa fever, highlights the most affected states, outlines its causes and symptoms, and provides practical prevention tips.
What Is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. It is mainly spread through contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of infected rats, especially the Mastomys (multimammate rat).
Some individuals experience mild symptoms, while others may develop severe illness that can result in internal bleeding, organ failure, or death if not treated promptly.
States Affected by the Recent Lassa Fever Outbreak
Based on recent NCDC situation reports, confirmed Lassa fever cases have been reported in multiple Nigerian states, including:
- Ondo
- Edo
- Bauchi
- Taraba
- Ebonyi
- Kogi
- Plateau
- Benue
Ondo and Edo states consistently account for a significant proportion of confirmed cases.
“The NCDC has warned that all states remain at risk, especially during the dry season when rodent-human contact increases.”
How Lassa Fever Is Transmitted
Lassa fever spreads through several routes:
1. Rodent-to-Human Transmission
- Eating food contaminated by rat urine or droppings
- Touching surfaces contaminated by infected rodents
- Storing food uncovered or drying food on the ground
2. Human-to-Human Transmission
- Direct contact with blood, urine, feces, saliva, or vomit of an infected person
- Exposure in healthcare settings without proper infection control
- Handling bodies of deceased Lassa fever patients without protection
Common Symptoms of Lassa Fever
Symptoms usually appear 6–21 days after infection and may include:
- Fever
- Weakness and fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
In severe cases:
- Bleeding from mouth, nose, or eyes
- Facial swelling
- Hearing loss
- Shock or organ failure
Early symptoms often resemble malaria or typhoid, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Why Lassa Fever Remains a Major Public Health Concern
Several factors continue to fuel Lassa fever outbreaks in Nigeria:
- Poor environmental sanitation
- Inadequate food storage practices
- Limited awareness in rural and peri-urban communities
- Late presentation to health facilities
- Weak infection prevention and control in some hospitals
Hearing loss is a long-term complication that affects many survivors, highlighting the disease’s impact beyond mortality.
NCDC-Recommended Lassa Fever Prevention Tips
The NCDC emphasizes prevention as the most effective control strategy. Individuals and communities are encouraged to take the following actions:
At Home
- Keep food in sealed containers
- Avoid drying food on the roadside or open ground
- Dispose of waste properly
- Keep homes and surroundings clean to discourage rodents
- Avoid eating rats or bush meat
Personal Hygiene
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoid touching body fluids of sick individuals
- Use gloves when caring for sick people
In Healthcare Settings
- Health workers should use personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Suspected cases should be isolated immediately
- Prompt reporting to disease surveillance officers
When to Seek Help
- Anyone with a persistent fever that does not respond to malaria treatment should seek medical attention immediately.
- Early treatment significantly improves the chances of survival.
What To Do If You Suspect Lassa Fever
- Do not self-medicate
- Avoid close contact with others
- Report immediately to the nearest health facility
- Call your state disease surveillance office or NCDC emergency lines
Lassa fever is preventable and treatable when individuals are informed and act promptly. Public awareness, community engagement, and robust health systems are essential to reducing deaths from this recurring outbreak.
Staying informed and practicing prevention measures can make a significant difference.