Rising Fatality Rate Raises Fresh Concerns As Nigeria Records New Lassa Fever Cases
Nigeria’s battle against Lassa fever is showing troubling signs, with health authorities warning over a rising fatality rate despite ongoing response efforts across affected states.
According to the latest situation report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the country recorded 22 new confirmed Lassa fever cases in Epidemiological Week 18, up from nine cases reported in the previous week.
The new infections were reported in Ondo, Edo and Plateau states, while one additional death was recorded during the reporting period.
Cumulatively, Nigeria has confirmed 776 cases and 191 deaths across 23 states and 106 Local Government Areas in 2026, with a Case Fatality Rate of 24.6 per cent, significantly higher than the 19.2 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
The report identified Bauchi and Ondo as the states with the highest burden, accounting for 26 per cent each of confirmed cases, followed by Taraba, Edo and Benue.
Health officials also disclosed that one healthcare worker was infected in the latest reporting week, underscoring the continued risks faced by frontline medical personnel.
In response, the NCDC said it has intensified surveillance, community engagement, healthcare worker training and emergency coordination efforts in collaboration with partners including the WHO and UNICEF.
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