Nigeria's NCDC reports rise in Lassa fever cases, death toll reaches 221

Nigeria has seen a rise in Lassa fever cases, with 31 new infections reported in epidemiological week 26 of 2026. This marks an increase from the 22 cases recorded the week prior, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The latest situation report from the public health agency indicates these new confirmed cases were identified in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, and Benue states. Cumulatively, Nigeria has recorded 221 Lassa fever deaths in 2026. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) for the year stands at 24.0%, a significant increase from the 18.7% reported in 2025.

The disease's geographic spread continues, with 23 states reporting at least one confirmed case across 111 Local Government Areas. However, the majority of infections, 85%, are concentrated in five states: Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue. Ondo alone accounts for the highest proportion of confirmed cases at 30%, followed by Bauchi with 26%.

Data shows that individuals aged 21 to 30 years are the most affected demographic, though cases range from one to 93 years old. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is nearly equal, at 1:0.9. Health authorities noted an increase in both suspected and confirmed cases compared to the same period in 2025. One healthcare worker was infected during week 26.

The National Lassa Fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System remains active to coordinate surveillance, case management, risk communication, and response efforts nationwide.