Nigeria Records 214 Lassa Fever Deaths, Fatality Rate Rises to 25%
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives across the country this year, with the disease's fatality rate increasing significantly compared to the same period in 2025. According to the agency's latest Lassa Fever Situation Report covering Week 23, the case fatality rate has risen to 25 per cent, up from 18.9 per cent recorded during the corresponding period last year. The report indicated that both suspected and confirmed cases have increased, highlighting the continued public health challenge posed by the viral disease. The NCDC noted that the number of new confirmed infections recorded during Week 23 remained unchanged from the previous week, with fresh cases reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi and Ebonyi states. Since the beginning of 2026, the outbreak has spread across 23 states and 109 local government areas, underscoring the wide geographical reach of the disease. According to the agency, five states account for the majority of confirmed cases nationwide. Ondo State recorded the highest proportion with 28 per cent, followed by Bauchi with 25 per cent, Taraba with 15 per cent, Edo with 10 per cent and Benue with six per cent. The remaining cases were distributed across 18 other states with confirmed infections.
The NCDC further revealed that young adults remain the most affected group, with the highest number of infections occurring among individuals aged between 21 and 30 years. Cases have been recorded among patients ranging from one year old to 93 years, with a median age of 30 years. To strengthen response efforts, the agency said the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remains active and continues to coordinate interventions at federal, state and local government levels. While no new healthcare worker infections were reported during the review period, the NCDC expressed concern over the rising fatality rate and continued transmission of the disease across affected communities. The agency said surveillance, case management and public health response measures remain ongoing in all affected states as authorities work to contain the outbreak and reduce fatalities.
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