Nigeria faces worsening Lassa fever and cholera outbreaks amid Ebola spread concerns
via Punch Nigeria7 min read
Nigeria is currently experiencing significant outbreaks of Lassa fever and cholera, with 208 deaths from Lassa fever and 67 from cholera recorded in 2026. The country has seen 829 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 5,260 cholera infections. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention NCDC reported that cholera has affected 128 Local Government Areas across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of May 31, 2026. A cholera outbreak in Borno State in May, which infected approximately 3,000 residents, was linked to a contaminated community dam. Suspected cholera cases increased by 73 percent in May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with children under five being the most affected. Lassa fever has primarily affected young adults aged 21 to 30, with the case fatality rate rising to 25.1 percent this year, up from 19.1 percent in the corresponding period last year. These outbreaks are occurring amidst fears of Ebola spreading from recent outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While Nigeria has not recorded any Ebola cases, its interconnected borders, poor environmental sanitation, and an overstretched healthcare system heighten the risk. The NCDC has activated enhanced surveillance at international airports and increased public sensitization. Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, stated Nigeria's Ebola preparedness is at 59 percent, and Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, assessed Nigeria's r
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