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The Lagos State Government has placed residents on high alert following a surge in Lassa fever cases across Nigeria, announcing the commencement of a comprehensive awareness and prevention campaign.
The State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed that more than 660 confirmed infections and 167 deaths were recorded nationwide between January and mid-March 2026. The cases were reported across 22 states and 93 local government areas.
Abayomi expressed concern over infections among healthcare workers, revealing that 38 medical personnel had contracted the disease, including three fatalities. He described the development as alarming and called for stricter adherence to infection prevention protocols and a more rapid response system.
He explained that Lassa fever is a highly infectious zoonotic disease transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents and human-to-human transmission. Although Lagos is not classified as an endemic state, its large and densely populated environment increases the risk of rapid spread.
To mitigate potential outbreaks, the state has activated several emergency preparedness measures, including the operation of a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre, strengthened disease surveillance, and targeted training for healthcare workers.
The commissioner urged residents to remain cautious, stressing that early detection and preventive practices are crucial in limiting transmission.
He further noted that recent trends suggest Lassa fever is no longer confined to seasonal outbreaks, with cases now occurring throughout the year due to environmental changes and increased human interaction with rodent carriers.
According to him, approximately 70 per cent of infections are mild or show no symptoms but can still be transmitted, heightening the risk of unnoticed spread, particularly in urban areas.
He added that about one in five symptomatic patients may develop severe complications, especially when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
Abayomi said the ongoing campaign would prioritise public awareness, improved case management, and closer collaboration with national health authorities to effectively curb the spread of the disease.
Lagos issues red alert over rising lassa fever cases nationwide
