Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives in Nigeria this year, with the case fatality rate rising to 25 per cent, according to the latest data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
In its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (June 1–7, 2026), the NCDC said the fatality rate represents a significant increase from the 18.9 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The agency noted that the number of new confirmed cases in Week 23 remained unchanged from Week 22, with infections reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi and Ebonyi states. No new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the reporting period.
Since the beginning of 2026, the outbreak has spread to 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas across the country.
The NCDC also reported increases in both suspected and confirmed cases compared to the same period last year.
According to the agency, five states account for 84 per cent of all confirmed cases nationwide. Ondo State leads with 28 per cent, followed by Bauchi (25 per cent), Taraba (15 per cent), Edo (10 per cent), and Benue (six per cent). The remaining 16 per cent of confirmed cases are distributed across 18 other states.
Young adults remain the most affected demographic group. The NCDC said the highest burden of infection is among individuals aged 21 to 30 years, although cases have been recorded among patients aged between one and 93 years, with a median age of 30 years.
To strengthen coordination of response efforts, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) remains activated, supporting intervention activities at the federal, state and local government levels.
While no new healthcare worker infection was reported during the week under review, the agency warned that the rising fatality rate and expanding geographical spread of the disease indicate continued transmission.
The NCDC added that surveillance, case management and other response measures are ongoing across the 23 affected states.
