Nigeria reports rising Lassa fever deaths and infections

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant rise in Lassa fever fatalities and infections in 2026. According to recent statistics, the country has recorded 268 deaths, with the case fatality rate climbing to 23.6%, up from 18.6% during the same period in 2025.

Confirmed cases have also increased, rising to 1,138 this year compared to 924 in 2025. The outbreak is widespread, with infections reported across 119 local government areas in 24 states. However, five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue—account for 88% of all confirmed cases and deaths.

The NCDC attributed the challenges to factors including the high cost of treatment, late presentation of cases at health facilities, and poor health-seeking behavior in affected communities. The World Health Organisation has previously noted that reduced response capacity in surveillance and laboratory testing could contribute to such outbreaks.