Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises As 82 New Cases Emerge Across 14 Nigerian States
As Nigeria battles the peak of its dry season, a period historically linked with rising Lassa fever infections, fresh data show the virus tightening its grip, with fatalities climbing and healthcare workers increasingly at risk.
The latest Situation Report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) for Epidemiological Week 7 (9-15 February 2026) reveals that 82 new confirmed cases were recorded within one week, up from 74 the previous week.
The new infections were reported across 14 states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory. In the same week alone, 20 deaths were recorded, pushing the case fatality rate to 24.4 per cent.
Cumulatively, Nigeria has confirmed 326 cases and 75 deaths from 1,538 suspected cases between weeks one and seven of 2026.
The national case fatality rate now stands at 23 per cent, notably higher than the 19.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
Four states, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Edo, account for a staggering 84 per cent of all confirmed cases so far this year, with Bauchi alone contributing 33 per cent
The most affected age group remains young adults between 21 and 30 years, with a median age of 30.
The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:0.8
Worryingly, five new healthcare workers were infected in the reporting week, underscoring ongoing risks within clinical settings.
Health authorities attribute the rising fatality rate to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour driven partly by treatment costs, and weak environmental sanitation in high-burden communities.
In response, the NCDC has activated a multi-partner Incident Management System to strengthen coordination, deployed rapid response teams to high-burden states, distributed medical supplies including Ribavirin and personal protective equipment, and intensified surveillance and community engagement efforts
While the number of suspected and confirmed cases remains lower than figures recorded at the same time last year, public health experts warn that the upward weekly trend and rising fatality rate demand urgent vigilance.
For now, the message is clear: early detection, prompt treatment and strict infection prevention measures remain Nigeria’s strongest defence against the deadly viral haemorrhagic fever.
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