The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives in with the case fatality rate rising to 25 per cent.
This was contained in the NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (June 1 to June 7, 2026).
The agency noted that the fatality rate represents a sharp increase from the 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
It disclosed that both suspected and confirmed cases have also increased compared to the corresponding period last year.
“New confirmed cases remained steady in Week 23, matching the number recorded in Week 22. Infections were reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi and Ebonyi states. No new healthcare worker infections were reported during the week.
“The outbreak has spread across 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas since January 2026,” the report stated.
The NCDC informed that five states account for 84 per cent of all confirmed cases.
“Ondo 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 cases are spread across 18 other states with confirmed infections,” it said.
The agency noted that young adults remained the most affected demographic.
According to the NCDC, the predominant age group is 21–30 years, with cases ranging from 1 to 93 years and a median age of 30 years.
The agency advised that, to coordinate the response, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remained activated.
It explained that the IMS is supporting response activities at the federal, state and local government levels.
Although no new healthcare worker infection was reported in Week 23, the NCDC said the higher fatality rate and wider geographical spread indicate continued transmission.
According to the agency, surveillance and case management efforts were ongoing across the 23 affected states.
