Nigeria has recorded 214 deaths from Lassa fever in 2026, with the disease’s Case Fatality Rate (CFR) rising to 25.0 per cent, according to the latest report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The update was contained in the NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 23, covering the period from June 1 to June 7, 2026.
The agency noted that the current fatality rate represents a significant increase from the 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025. It also reported a rise in both suspected and confirmed cases compared to last year.
According to the report, the number of newly confirmed infections remained unchanged from the previous week, with fresh cases recorded in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states.
The NCDC said no new infections were reported among healthcare workers during the review period.
Since the beginning of the year, Lassa fever cases have been confirmed in 109 Local Government Areas across 23 states, highlighting the continued spread of the disease nationwide.
Five states account for the majority of confirmed infections, representing 84 per cent of all recorded cases. Ondo State 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.
The remaining 16 per cent of confirmed cases were reported across 18 other states.
The NCDC further revealed that young adults remain the most affected demographic. Individuals between the ages of 21 and 30 account for the highest number of infections, although cases have been recorded among patients ranging from one to 93 years old. The median age of affected persons is 30 years.
To strengthen response efforts, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) remains activated and is coordinating interventions at the federal, state, and local government levels.
While no new healthcare worker infections were reported in Week 23, the agency warned that the rising fatality rate and continued spread across multiple states indicate sustained transmission pressure.
The NCDC said surveillance, case management, and outbreak response activities are ongoing across all affected states as health authorities work to contain the disease.
