Nigeria’s Lassa fever outbreak has claimed 214 lives in 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 25 per cent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), raising concerns over the continued spread of the disease across 23 states.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives nationwide in 2026, with the disease’s case fatality rate rising to 25.0 per cent.
The figures were contained in the agency’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 23, covering June 1 to June 7, 2026.
According to the NCDC, the current fatality rate represents a significant increase from the 18.9 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, indicating a worsening public health challenge.
The agency also disclosed that both suspected and confirmed cases have risen compared to figures recorded in the previous year.
“New confirmed cases held steady in Week 23, matching the count from Week 22,” the report stated.
The NCDC said new infections during the reporting week were recorded in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi and Ebonyi states, while no new infections among healthcare workers were reported.
Since the beginning of 2026, the outbreak has spread to 23 states and 109 local government areas across the country, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the viral disease.
According to the agency, five states account for 84 per cent of all confirmed cases reported so far.
Ondo State leads with 28 per cent of confirmed infections, 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 16 per cent of confirmed cases are distributed across 18 other states affected by the outbreak.
The NCDC noted that young adults remain the most affected demographic group, with the highest concentration of cases occurring among individuals aged 21 to 30 years.
The agency stated that reported cases range from one to 93 years of age, with a median age of 30 years.
To strengthen outbreak response efforts, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) remains activated and is coordinating interventions at federal, state and local government levels.
Although no new healthcare worker infections were recorded during Week 23, the NCDC warned that the rising fatality rate and continued geographic spread of the disease indicate ongoing transmission pressure.
The agency said surveillance, case management and response activities remain ongoing across all affected states as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak and reduce fatalities.
Public health experts have continued to stress the importance of early detection, prompt treatment and improved hygiene measures in reducing the spread of Lassa fever and improving patient outcomes.
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