Lassa Fever Death Toll Hits 214 as Fatality Rate Rises — NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives across the country in 2026, with the case fatality rate (CFR) rising to 25 per cent.

The agency disclosed this in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 23, covering June 1 to June 7.

According to the report, the current fatality rate represents a significant increase from the 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025. It also noted a rise in both suspected and confirmed cases compared to last year.

The NCDC stated that the number of new confirmed cases remained unchanged in Week 23, matching the figure reported in the previous week. The latest infections were recorded in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi and Ebonyi states.

The agency added that no new infections among healthcare workers were reported during the review period.

Since the beginning of the year, Lassa fever cases have been reported in 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas (LGAs), highlighting the continued spread of the disease across the country.

The report showed that five states account for 84 per cent of all confirmed cases nationwide. Ondo State recorded the highest burden 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 were distributed across 18 other states.

The NCDC said young adults remain the most affected demographic, with the highest number of infections recorded among individuals aged between 21 and 30 years. Cases have been reported among patients aged between one and 93 years, with a median age of 30 years.

To strengthen response efforts, the agency said the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) remains activated and is coordinating interventions at the federal, state and local government levels.

While no new healthcare worker infection was reported during the week, the NCDC warned that the increasing fatality rate and the disease’s spread to more locations indicate sustained transmission.

The agency said surveillance, case management and other response activities are ongoing in all affected states to contain the outbreak.