Last reviewed: October 19, 2026 | By Ugochukwu
Lassa fever returns to Nigeria every year, and the risk is closely tied to everyday things: where food is stored, how refuse is handled and whether rats can get into the home. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has begun urging Nigerians to prepare for the 2026/2027 season [1][2]. This article explains how Lassa fever spreads and what households can do.
What is Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. It is transmitted to people mainly through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rats [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists Nigeria among the countries where it is endemic, and says it typically begins gradually with fever, general weakness, headache and malaise [3]. Severe cases can involve bleeding [4].
Nigeria has outbreaks almost every year [4]. The NCDC says cases rise predictably during the dry season [5]. A Nigerian Institute of International Affairs commentary, citing the NCDC situation report, noted 6,165 suspected and 922 confirmed cases by epidemiological week 26 of 2026 [6].
What NCDC says households should do
At a September 2026 briefing, the NCDC Director-General urged households to protect food, keep surroundings clean and stop rodents from entering homes [1][2]. Specific advice includes:
- Store rice, garri, beans and maize in tightly covered containers [1][2][5].
- Do not dry food on bare ground or anywhere rodents can contaminate it [1].
- Keep your surroundings clean and dispose of waste properly [4].
- Place refuse dumps far from the house to reduce the chance of rats coming into the home [7].
- Set traps to remove rats from homes and communities [7].
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water [4].
Add to this: seal holes in walls and around doors and pipes, keep food and cooked leftovers covered, and clear bush and rubbish close to the house.
Recognise the early signs
Early symptoms look like many other illnesses: fever, weakness and headache [3]. The NCDC urges anyone who develops fever or feels unwell, especially people living in or travelling from Lassa-affected areas, to seek medical attention promptly [2]. Delay is one of the problems it has identified: the NCDC lists delays in seeking care as a key challenge for the coming season [1].
Do not assume that every fever is malaria. Ask for a test, and mention if rats have been seen in the home. Lassa fever is treatable, and outcomes improve significantly when cases are detected and managed early [5].
Caring for a sick person
If someone in your home is suspected of having Lassa fever, get them to a health facility quickly instead of treating them at home. Wash your hands after contact, and avoid touching blood or other body fluids. Health workers should follow infection prevention and control standards, because healthcare worker infections have been a concern [1][5].
Why environment matters
The NCDC says its 2026 response showed that poor sanitation, unsafe food storage and exposure to rodents are still common risks at household level [2]. Officials from the environment and livestock sectors have also stressed that environmental sanitation is critical, and that rodents other than Mastomys may play a role in transmission [1][2]. Controlling Lassa fever needs health, environment, agriculture and local government to work together [1].
Conclusion
You cannot see the Lassa virus, but you can make your home less attractive to rats. Cover food, manage waste, trap rats and seek care early for any unexplained fever. See also our guide to food safety at home.
This article gives general health information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are unwell, see a qualified health worker.
About the author: Ugochukwu Dike holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Anatomy from the University of Calabar and is studying B.Sc. Environmental Health Science at the National Open University of Nigeria.
References
- allAfrica. NCDC on challenges for the 2026/2027 Lassa fever season, 10 September 2026. https://allafrica.com/stories/202609100074.html
- Leadership. “Lassa Fever: Protect Food, Environment, NCDC Advises Nigerians Ahead Of Peak Period.” https://leadership.ng/?p=695845
- BusinessDay. Lassa fever explainer citing WHO. https://businessday.ng/?p=1085131
- Gazette. “Lassa Fever: NCDC advocates hygiene, early treatment as cases surge.” https://gazettengr.com/lassa-fever-ncdc-advocates-hygiene-early-treatment-as-cases-surge/
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. “2 March 2026 | NCDC Calls for Strengthened State-Level Action as Lassa Fever Cases Rise During Peak Season.” https://ncdc.gov.ng/news/534/2-march-2026-%7C-ncdc-calls-for-strengthened-state-level-action-as-lassa-fever-cases-rise-during-peak-season
- Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. “The 2026 Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria” (commentary citing NCDC situation report). https://niia.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Lassa-Fever-Epidemic-Commentary-2026.pdf
- Gazette. “Nigeria records new Lassa fever cases” (NCDC advice on waste and food storage). https://gazettengr.com/?p=123598
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