Nigeria is stepping up preparations for the next Lassa fever peak after health officials identified five states carrying most of the country’s cases this year.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue remain the main areas of concern. Together, the five states account for about 86% of Lassa fever cases reported in Nigeria in 2026.
NCDC Director-General Jide Idris disclosed the figures during a briefing in Abuja, where he also outlined new measures aimed at improving readiness before the usual rise in infections later in the year.
Lassa fever can occur at any time, but Nigeria normally sees more cases during the dry season, especially between November and April. That means health authorities are trying to fix weaknesses in the response before hospitals begin seeing heavier pressure.
What Went Wrong Earlier This Year
One of the biggest concerns raised by the NCDC is how long some patients wait before getting the right medical attention.
In some cases, people treat themselves first or move from one health facility to another before Lassa fever is considered. That delay can make diagnosis harder and increase the risk of complications.
Health workers have also continued to become infected.
The NCDC says this is especially worrying in facilities where infection-control measures are weak or staff are already stretched.
There are also familiar problems outside hospitals. Poor waste disposal, unsafe food storage and exposure to rodents continue to raise the risk of infection in some communities.
Another issue is funding.
The NCDC wants state governments to take more responsibility for preparedness instead of relying too heavily on federal support. Delayed funding can leave treatment centres short of supplies just when cases begin to rise.
Idris also made the point that having equipment is not enough on its own. A machine may be available in a hospital, but it still needs trained staff, maintenance, water, power and the right supplies to be useful.
What the NCDC Plans to Change
The new readiness plan is expected to focus more heavily on high-risk states, although measures will be carried out across the country.
Earlier detection is one of the main priorities.
Health workers are being encouraged to consider Lassa fever sooner when patients arrive with symptoms that could match the disease, especially in areas where cases are already known to occur.
The NCDC also wants samples to move faster from health facilities to laboratories so doctors are not left waiting too long for results.
Hospitals in high-risk areas are expected to strengthen infection prevention, stock essential supplies and make sure protective equipment is available before the peak season begins.
At community level, the message is much simpler: reduce contact with rodents and keep food protected.
Rice, beans, garri, maize and other staples should be stored in covered containers. Food should not be dried directly on bare ground where rats can reach it.
Families are also being advised to close openings that allow rodents into homes, reduce clutter and dispose of refuse properly.
More Cases and Deaths Than at the Same Point Last Year
By epidemiological Week 33, Nigeria had recorded 1,035 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 252 deaths in 2026.
The case fatality rate stood at 24.4%.
At the same stage in 2025, Nigeria had recorded 854 confirmed cases and 159 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 18.6%.
The Week 33 figures showed that the five high-burden states accounted for 87% of confirmed cases at that point.
That is slightly different from the 86% figure mentioned during the latest NCDC briefing, most likely because the figures were drawn from different reporting periods.
Ondo remained the hardest-hit state, accounting for roughly a third of confirmed cases. Bauchi followed, while Taraba, Edo and Benue also made up a significant share of the total.
Confirmed infections had been reported across 23 states and 117 local government areas.
Health workers have not been spared either, with dozens of infections recorded among medical staff during the year.
Why the Warning Is Coming Now
The timing of the NCDC warning is important.
Nigeria has not yet entered the main Lassa fever peak, but waiting until November would leave less time for hospitals and state authorities to prepare.
The agency is trying to use the quieter period to improve surveillance, laboratory testing, treatment readiness and infection control.
For households, the advice remains practical rather than complicated: store food properly, keep homes as free from rodents as possible and seek medical attention when a fever does not improve instead of repeatedly treating it at home.
The pressure on households is not limited to health issues either. In the UK, families and applicants are also facing higher government costs after the UK citizenship fee rose to £1,709, another recent policy change affecting personal finances.
For Nigeria, the next few months will show whether the new preparedness push makes a real difference.
If health facilities detect cases earlier, protect staff better and receive supplies before the seasonal rise begins, the country may be in a stronger position when Lassa fever cases start climbing again.
The SBCC Editorial Team researches, writes, and reviews news and explainers using credible sources and official information.
