Lassa fever death rate rises to 25.2% despite fewer cases
NCDC reports confirmed Lassa fever cases dropped to 26 (from 51 previous week) but death toll climbed to 167, pushing case fatality rate to 25.2% - well above 18.5% in same period 2025. New infections recorded across seven states: Edo, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Benue and Kaduna. Young adults aged 21-30 remain most affected. In response, NCDC and partners have scaled up interventions including a 30-day Healthcare Worker Protection Plan, deployment of National Rapid Response Teams to seven states, and intensified laboratory testing. Challenges persist with late case presentation, poor health-seeking behavior due to high treatment costs, and low community awareness.