146 dead, 25 doctors infected as Lassa fever wave highlights gaps in Nigerian healthcare system

Nigeria is grappling with a new wave of Lassa fever epidemic that has claimed no fewer than 146 lives in three months, while at least 25 doctors and dozens of other health workers have been infected, raising fresh concerns about the country’s fragile health system.

Data obtained from the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed that in the 11th epidemiological week of 2026, the country recorded 582 confirmed cases out of 3,222 suspected infections.

A state-by-state breakdown of fatalities revealed that Taraba recorded the highest number of deaths with 40, followed by Ondo with 31, Bauchi with 25, while Plateau and Benue reported 11 deaths each. Edo recorded nine deaths and Nasarawa three.

The situation has worsened within the medical community, with frontline workers increasingly falling victim to the disease amid reports of inadequate protection and weak infection control systems.

The National Association of Resident Doctors revealed that at least 25 of its members had contracted the virus, with one death recorded, while the Nigerian Medical Association said no fewer than 37 health workers, including doctors, nurses and community health workers, had been infected, with three deaths confirmed among doctors.

Speaking on the development, NMA President Bala Audu described the outbreak as part of the country’s seasonal pattern, but noted that its impact this year has been unusually severe.

He said: “Lassa fever is seasonal, but this year the effect has been devastating. The number of healthcare workers affected is quite high, which raises serious concern.”

Audu attributed the rise in infections among health workers to gaps in the availability and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment, warning that many facilities do not have adequate supplies or do not enforce their use.

“It is largely preventable, but where protective equipment is not available or not used correctly, healthcare workers are exposed to great risks,” he added.

In reaction, NARD national secretary Shuaibu Ibrahim also criticized authorities for failing to improve preparedness despite recurring epidemics.

“We are concerned that this epidemic will continue to recur, but the lessons are not being applied effectively. The government’s response has been insufficient, especially in protecting health workers,” he said.
Investigations have shown that several states are struggling to contain the outbreak despite intensified surveillance.

In Ondo State, one of the epicentres, over 20 deaths have been reported, with many patients currently receiving treatment at health facilities, including the Federal Medical Center in Owo.

In Benue State, the Commissioner for Health, Paul Ogwuche, revealed that the state has recorded about 400 suspected cases, 55 confirmed infections and 14 deaths, including deaths among health workers.

He noted that human-to-human transmission, driven by errors in infection prevention, remains a major concern.

At the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board, authorities said emergency response measures have been activated, including enhanced surveillance and contact tracing in the affected local government areas.

Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa, is transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, particularly the Mastomys rat.

Human-to-human transmission is common even in healthcare settings with poor infection control.

Symptoms range from mild fever and weakness to severe bleeding, difficulty breathing and, in critical cases, death.

Public health experts warn that the rising toll, particularly among healthcare workers, highlights the urgent need for better infection control measures, greater public awareness and greater investment in Nigeria’s healthcare sector to prevent further escalation.

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