Lagos Declares Red Alert as Lassa Fever Cases Surge

The Lagos State Government has declared a red alert after Lassa fever cases across Nigeria climbed to over 660 confirmed infections and 167 deaths between January and mid-March 2026. Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi highlights a worrying rise in infections among healthcare workers and a shift to year-round transmission. Abayomi warns that Lagos’ dense population heightens the risk, even though the state is not historically endemic. He notes that environmental changes and closer human-rodent contact are driving silent spread, with many mild or asymptomatic cases still infectious. In response, Lagos has activated a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre, enhanced surveillance, and begun intensive training for healthcare workers. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, seek early diagnosis, and follow prevention measures to contain any potential outbreak.

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