Nigeria has recorded 1,000 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 237 related deaths across 23 states and 116 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the first 30 epidemiological weeks of 2026, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control measures are inadequate. Health experts say early symptoms of Lassa fever often resemble those of common illnesses such as malaria, making prompt diagnosis difficult. It also urged anyone experiencing persistent fever or other symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever to seek medical attention immediately rather than resorting to self-medication.