Lassa fever has killed 214 people in Nigeria this year, with the case fatality rate rising sharply to 25 per cent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The NCDC disclosed this in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (June 1 to June 7, 2026). The fatality rate represents an increase from 18.9 per cent recorded in the same period in 2025. The agency said new confirmed cases remained steady in Week 23, with infections reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states. No new healthcare worker infections were recorded during the week. The outbreak has spread to 23 states and 109 local government areas since January.
Five states account for 84 per cent of confirmed cases: Ondo (28 per cent), Bauchi (25 per cent), Taraba (15 per cent), Edo (10 per cent), and Benue (6 per cent). Young adults aged 21–30 years remain the most affected group. The National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remains activated to coordinate response efforts across federal, state, and local levels. Surveillance and case management are ongoing in affected states.
The NCDC urged continued vigilance, early reporting of symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, and bleeding, and adherence to preventive measures like proper food storage and rodent control, especially in high-risk areas. This surge in fatality rate raises serious concerns about healthcare access, late presentation of cases, and capacity in treatment centres. Health experts attribute the increase to challenges in early diagnosis and limited availability of ribavirin, the primary treatment drug.
The outbreak highlights the persistent threat of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria, where rodents serve as natural reservoirs. Poor sanitation, overcrowding, and limited public awareness continue to fuel transmission, particularly in rural communities. The NCDC’s activation of the incident management system is a positive step, but stakeholders call for increased funding, community engagement, and research into better diagnostics and vaccines. As the rainy season approaches, which often exacerbates rodent activity, authorities must intensify risk communication and vector control efforts to prevent further escalation.
The situation also puts pressure on the health system, with calls for better training of healthcare workers and improved laboratory capacity across endemic states. Nigerians are advised to maintain hygiene practices and seek prompt medical attention for persistent fever. The rising fatality rate serves as a reminder of the need for stronger investment in primary healthcare and disease surveillance to protect vulnerable populations.
