The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has disclosed that Nigeria’s ongoing Lassa fever outbreak has claimed 214 lives in 2026, with the disease’s fatality rate increasing to 25 percent.
According to the agency’s Epidemiological Week 23 report, which covers June 1 to June 7, a total of 13 new confirmed cases and four additional deaths were recorded across Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states.
The report indicated that while the number of weekly confirmed cases remained unchanged from the previous reporting week, the death toll increased, highlighting ongoing concerns about the severity of the outbreak.
Cumulatively, Nigeria has recorded 855 confirmed cases out of 5,652 suspected infections across 23 states and 109 local government areas this year, reflecting a continued spread of the disease.
The NCDC noted that the current fatality rate of 25 percent is considerably higher than the 18.9 percent recorded during the same period in 2025, when 143 deaths were reported from 758 confirmed cases.
According to the agency, five states account for the majority of infections reported in 2026. Ondo State leads with 28 percent of confirmed cases, followed by Bauchi State with 25 percent, Taraba State with 15 percent, while Edo and Benue states also remain among the most affected areas. Together, the five states account for 84 percent of all confirmed cases nationwide.
The report revealed that Lassa fever continues to affect predominantly young adults between the ages of 21 and 30, although infections have been recorded among individuals ranging from one to 93 years old.
The NCDC attributed the rising fatality rate to several factors, including late presentation of cases at health facilities, poor health-seeking behaviour, and the high cost of treatment.
“The number of suspected and confirmed cases has increased compared to the same period in 2025, while late presentation continues to contribute to the higher fatality rate,” the agency stated.
The report also identified poor environmental sanitation and low public awareness in some high-burden communities as factors contributing to the continued transmission of the disease.
Despite the challenges, the NCDC reported that no healthcare worker was infected during the reporting week. It added that response efforts remain active at both national and state levels, including surveillance, case management, community engagement, and training of frontline health personnel.
The agency urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, prevent contact with rodents, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, weakness, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding develop.
