The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that Lassa fever has resulted in 214 deaths nationwide this year, with the disease’s case fatality rate rising to 25 per cent.
The figures were contained in the agency’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 23, covering the period from June 1 to June 7, 2026.
According to the report, the current fatality rate represents a significant increase from the 18.9 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The NCDC also noted a rise in both suspected and confirmed cases compared to the same period last year.
The agency stated that the number of newly confirmed infections recorded in Week 23 remained unchanged from the previous week. New cases were identified in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi and Ebonyi states, while no infections were recorded among healthcare workers during the reporting period.
Since the beginning of the year, the outbreak has affected 23 states and spread across 109 local government areas.
Data from the report showed that five states account for the vast majority of confirmed infections nationwide. Ondo State recorded the highest share with 28 per cent of cases, 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 cases were distributed across 18 other states.
The report further indicated that young adults continue to bear the greatest burden of the disease. Individuals between the ages of 21 and 30 years remain the most affected group, although cases have been recorded among people aged between one and 93 years. The median age of infected persons was put at 30 years.
To strengthen response efforts, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remains active and continues to coordinate interventions at the federal, state and local government levels.
While no new infections among health workers were recorded during the week under review, the agency noted that the rising fatality rate and the continued spread of the disease across multiple states highlight the need for sustained surveillance, early case detection and effective patient management measures.