Lassa fever death toll hits 224 as fatality rate rises despite fewer new infections

Nigeria is grappling with a persistent Lassa fever outbreak, which has resulted in 224 deaths so far in 2026. Despite a recent decline in new confirmed infections, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) warns that the situation remains a serious public health threat due to a rising case fatality rate.

In Epidemiological Week 27, the country recorded 14 new confirmed infections, a drop from the 31 cases reported the previous week. These latest cases were identified in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Benue, and Kogi states. However, the overall case fatality rate has climbed to 23.9%, up from 18.9% during the same period in 2025. Confirmed cases have now spread across 23 states and 113 local government areas.

Ondo State bears the highest burden, contributing 30% of confirmed cases this year, followed by Bauchi (25%), Taraba (14%), Edo (10%), and Benue (6%). The NCDC notes that the disease primarily affects young adults aged 21 to 30. The agency has activated its National Lassa Fever Incident Management System to coordinate nationwide response efforts. These include training healthcare workers on case management and infection prevention, community engagement to promote early healthcare seeking, and distributing personal protective equipment.

Despite these interventions, the NCDC highlights that late presentation of patients at health facilities and poor health-seeking behaviors remain significant challenges contributing to the high fatality rate. The agency is implementing measures such as a 30-day healthcare worker protection plan and reviewing national case management guidelines to mitigate the crisis.