Nigeria has recorded 214 deaths from Lassa fever in 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 25 per cent, according to the latest report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The NCDC disclosed this in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 23, covering June 1 to June 7, 2026, noting that the fatality rate increased from 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
According to the report, the number of newly confirmed cases remained unchanged in Week 23, matching the figures recorded in Week 22.
New infections were confirmed in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states, while no new infections among healthcare workers were reported during the reporting period.
The NCDC said the outbreak has now spread to 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas (LGAs) since January 2026.
Despite the stable number of new weekly cases, the agency noted that both suspected and confirmed cases have increased compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
Five States Account for 84% of Confirmed Cases
The NCDC identified five states as accounting for the majority of confirmed Lassa fever infections in Nigeria.
According to the agency:
- Ondo State – 28%
- Bauchi State – 25%
- Taraba State – 15%
- Edo State – 10%
- Benue State – 6%
The remaining 16 per cent of confirmed cases are distributed across 18 other states with reported infections.
Young Adults Most Affected by Lassa Fever
The report showed that young adults aged 21 to 30 years remain the most affected age group.
According to the NCDC, confirmed cases range from one year to 93 years, with a median age of 30 years.
The agency said understanding the age distribution of infections is important for strengthening public health interventions and improving disease surveillance.
NCDC Sustains Emergency Response
To coordinate the nationwide response, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) remains activated.
The NCDC said the Incident Management System is supporting surveillance, case management, laboratory services, risk communication and emergency response activities at the federal, state and local government levels.
Although no new healthcare worker infection was recorded during Week 23, the agency warned that the rising fatality rate and continued geographical spread indicate ongoing transmission of the disease.
The NCDC said surveillance, case management and public health interventions are continuing across the 23 affected states to contain the outbreak and reduce fatalities.
