Lassa fever deaths hit 204, medical academy demands urgent action

The Academy of Medical Sciences Nigeria is demanding immediate, coordinated national action as Lassa fever claims 204 lives and infects 793 people across the country. The disease's case fatality rate has climbed to 25.7%, a significant jump from 19.4% in the same period last year, according to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Nigeria has recorded 5,034 suspected cases, 793 laboratory-confirmed infections, and 204 deaths as of Epidemiological Week 19 (May 4–10, 2026).

Confirmed cases have spread to 23 states and 108 Local Government Areas, with Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue bearing the brunt, accounting for over 80% of infections. The Academy expressed deep concern over the persistent transmission, emphasizing the need for renewed commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders.

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The case fatality rate has risen to 25.7 per cent, significantly higher than the 19.4 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025. This troubling trend underscores the urgent need for strengthened prevention and control measures.

Several factors are fueling the outbreak, including patients presenting late for treatment, insufficient public awareness, and poor health-seeking behaviors. Inadequate infection prevention practices within healthcare facilities also contribute to the rising death toll. Environmental conditions that favor rodent infestation, coupled with increased transmission risks during the dry season, are sustaining the disease's spread.

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The current epidemiological situation demands renewed commitment and coordinated action from all stakeholders.

The Academy also highlighted ongoing infections among healthcare workers, pointing to critical gaps in infection prevention and control measures that require urgent attention. It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and state governments to strengthen surveillance systems, ensure early detection, and deploy rapid response teams. Expanding access to treatment centers and boosting laboratory diagnostic capacity nationwide are also critical needs.

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Late presentation of patients, poor awareness and health-seeking behaviour, and inadequate infection prevention practices in healthcare settings are contributing significantly to the rising fatalities.