Lassa Fever: Nigeria Records 258 Deaths, Fatality Rate Rises To 24%
Nigeria has recorded 258 deaths from Lassa fever in the first 35 epidemiological weeks of 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 24 per cent, significantly higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
The latest situation report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) shows that 1,074 confirmed cases have been reported from 24 states and 118 Local Government Areas between January and 30 August 2026.
Although new confirmed cases fell from 21 in week 34 to 18 in week 35, the disease continues to pose a serious public health challenge. The latest cases were reported in Ondo, Edo and Bauchi States, with five deaths recorded during the week.
Five states account for 86 per cent of all confirmed cases so far. Ondo leads with 34 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 24 per cent, Taraba 12 per cent, Edo 10 per cent and Benue six per cent.
The NCDC said people aged 21 to 30 years remain the most affected age group, while no new healthcare worker infection was reported during week 35.
The agency identified late presentation, poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, inadequate environmental sanitation and low awareness in high-burden communities among the challenges driving the response.
It urged states to sustain year-round community engagement, while healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, ensure timely referral and treatment, and strictly follow infection prevention and control measures.
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