Lassa Fever Death Toll Hits 214, Fatality Rate Rises to 25% – NCDC
Lassa fever has killed 214 people across Nigeria, with the case fatality rate climbing to 25 per cent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
This was disclosed in the agency’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (June 1 to June 7, 2026).
The NCDC said the fatality rate marks a significant rise from 18.9 per cent recorded in the same period in 2025, while both suspected and confirmed cases have also increased year-on-year.
It noted that new confirmed infections remained stable in Week 23, matching figures recorded in Week 22, with cases reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states. No new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the week.
The report stated that the outbreak has now spread across 23 states and 109 local government areas since January 2026.
According to the agency, five states account for 84 per cent of all confirmed cases. Ondo leads with 28 per cent, followed by Bauchi with 25 per cent, Taraba with 15 per cent, Edo with 10 per cent, and Benue with six per cent, while the remaining 16 per cent are spread across 18 other states.
The NCDC also noted that young adults remain the most affected group, with the highest number of cases recorded among people aged 21 to 30 years. Cases range from one to 93 years, with a median age of 30.
It added that the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remains active to coordinate response efforts at federal, state, and local government levels.
Although no new healthcare worker infection was reported in Week 23, the agency warned that the rising fatality rate and wider spread indicate ongoing transmission.
It said surveillance and case management activities are continuing across all affected states.
(NAN)
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