Lassa Fever Death Toll Hits 214 as Fatality Rate Rises to 25% — NCDC
Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives across Nigeria, with the case fatality rate rising to 25 per cent, according to the latest report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The agency disclosed this in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 23, covering June 1 to June 7, 2026.
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. The NCDC also noted a rise in both suspected and confirmed cases compared to the corresponding period last year.
The report indicated that the number of new confirmed cases recorded in Week 23 remained unchanged from Week 22, with fresh infections reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi and Ebonyi states. No new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the period under review.
Since the beginning of the year, the outbreak has spread to 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas across the country.
The NCDC revealed that five states account for 84 per cent of all confirmed cases nationwide. Ondo State leads with 28 per cent of infections, followed by Bauchi (25 per cent), Taraba (15 per cent), Edo (10 per cent) and Benue (six per cent). The remaining 16 per cent of cases are distributed across 18 other states with confirmed infections.
The agency further noted that young adults remain the most affected demographic group. The highest number of cases was recorded among persons aged 21 to 30 years, although infections have been reported among individuals aged between one and 93 years. The median age of affected persons is 30 years.
To strengthen response efforts, 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 healthcare worker infection was reported during Week 23, the NCDC warned that the increasing fatality rate and expanding geographical spread of the disease indicate sustained transmission.
The agency said surveillance, case management and other response activities are ongoing in all 23 affected states as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.
Source: NAN