Lassa Fever Surge: NCDC Issues Urgent Warning to Health Workers After 15 Infections and 2 Deaths

 

​The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised a critical alarm following a disturbing surge in Lassa fever infections among healthcare workers. In a recent public health advisory issued on February 17, 2026, the agency confirmed that 15 medical personnel have contracted the virus, with two tragic deaths recorded so far during the current 2025/2026 transmission season. This spike in "frontline" infections has prompted the NCDC to mandate a heightened "index of suspicion" across all health facilities in Nigeria.

​Understanding the NCDC Alert: A Crisis on the Frontlines

​The advisory, signed by the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, reveals that these infections have occurred as of Epidemiological Week 7. The trend is particularly concerning because it indicates that those trained to protect the public are themselves becoming victims of the zoonotic disease.

​Key Statistics from the NCDC Report:

• ​Confirmed Health Worker Infections: 15
• ​Health Worker Fatalities: 2
• ​High-Burden States Affected: Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue.
• ​National Impact: Over 165 confirmed cases and 31 deaths recorded nationwide in the first five weeks of 2026 alone.

​Why are Health Workers Getting Infected?

​Investigations by the NCDC into these specific cases have uncovered significant gaps in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices. The agency identified several "drivers" that are contributing to this dangerous trend:

1. ​Low Index of Suspicion: Many healthcare workers do not immediately consider Lassa fever as a possibility when a patient presents with a fever, often mistaking it for malaria or typhoid.
2. ​Inconsistent Use of PPE: There is a reported "misalignment" between actual exposure risks and the use of Personal Protective Equipment, especially in outpatient departments and general wards.
3. ​Delayed Recognition: By the time Lassa fever is suspected and the patient is isolated, the virus may have already spread to clinical and non-clinical staff.
4. ​Environmental Risks: The NCDC also warned that non-clinical staff like cleaners and porters are at risk due to contact with contaminated surfaces or waste.

​How Lassa Fever Spreads in Hospital Settings

​Lassa fever is primarily a zoonotic disease, spread by the Mastomys rat (multimammate rat). However, in a hospital environment, person-to-person transmission becomes the primary threat. This occurs through:

• ​Contact with infected blood, urine, faeces, or vomit.
• ​Performing clinical procedures (like intubation or injections) without adequate protective gear.
• ​Poor hand hygiene practices between attending to different patients.
• ​Handling contaminated laboratory samples without strict protocols.

​NCDC’s Mandatory Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities

​To curb the spread and protect medical personnel, the NCDC has directed all state ministries of health and facility managers to enforce the following:

​1. Establish Functional Isolation Areas

​Every health facility must have a designated area to quickly isolate suspected cases. Clear referral pathways to specialized Lassa Fever Treatment Centres must also be maintained.

​2. Universal Standard Precautions

​The NCDC emphasizes that standard precautions—such as regular handwashing and the use of gloves—must be applied to all patients, regardless of their initial diagnosis. "Not all fevers are malaria," the agency reminded staff.

​3. IPC Training for All Staff

​Infection prevention training should not be limited to doctors and nurses. Cleaners, administrative officers, and laboratory technicians must also be trained in safe waste disposal and surface disinfection.

​4. Environmental Rodent Control

​Hospitals are urged to maintain high environmental hygiene to keep rodents away from clinical spaces. This includes proper waste management and ensuring food items are not left exposed.

​Symptoms to Watch Out For

​Lassa fever symptoms can be subtle at first, making early detection difficult. Healthcare workers and the public should look for:

• ​Fever and general weakness.
• ​Headache and sore throat.
• ​Muscle pain and chest pain.
• ​Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• ​Severe cases: Unexplained bleeding from the mouth, nose, or vagina; facial swelling; and hearing loss.

​Conclusion: Protecting the Protectors

​The death of a single healthcare worker is a significant loss to Nigeria's fragile health system. As the country remains in the peak of the Lassa fever transmission season, the NCDC’s warning serves as a vital call to action. By maintaining a high index of suspicion and strictly adhering to IPC protocols, the medical community can prevent further avoidable tragedies.