Nigeria Lassa Fever Death Toll Reaches 221, Fatality Rate Surges

Nigeria's Lassa fever outbreak has intensified this year, claiming 221 lives and pushing the case fatality rate to 24 percent, a significant increase from the same period in 2025. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 31 new confirmed infections in the latest week, bringing the total spread across 23 states and 111 local government areas.

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said the country’s Lassa fever outbreak has become deadlier this year, with 221 deaths recorded and the case fatality rate rising to 24 per cent, compared with 18.7 per cent during the corresponding period in 2025.

Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue states account for the majority of infections, with Ondo alone contributing 30 percent of all confirmed cases. The disease primarily affects individuals aged 21 to 30, with nearly equal infection rates between men and women. The NCDC attributes the high death toll to several ongoing issues, including patients presenting cases late, the high cost of treatment deterring people from seeking care, poor sanitation in affected areas, and a lack of public awareness. Infections among healthcare workers also remain a concern, with one case reported in the latest period.

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85 per cent of all confirmed cases originated from Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue states, while the remaining 15 per cent were reported elsewhere.

In response, the NCDC has activated its National Lassa Fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System. Efforts include coordinating surveillance, case management, risk communication, and nationwide response activities. The agency and its partners are supporting training for healthcare workers, conducting active case searches, contact tracing, and distributing essential supplies like personal protective equipment. The NCDC urges state governments to maintain year-round community engagement and advises healthcare workers to remain vigilant, refer suspected cases promptly, and adhere to infection prevention protocols.

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People aged 21 to 30 years remained the most affected group, although confirmed cases ranged from one to 93 years.