Lassa fever deaths rise to 224 in 2026 despite drop in new cases, NCDC warns
Lassa fever deaths rose to 224 in 2026 with a case fatality rate of 23.9%, even as new confirmed cases fell to 14 in week 27 from 31 the previous week, according to the NCDC. Infections were recorded in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Benue and Kogi states, with these five states accounting for 85% of all cases this year—Ondo alone contributed 30%, Bauchi 25%, Taraba 14%, Edo 10% and Benue 6%. Cases have been reported in 23 states across 113 local government areas, affecting mostly adults aged 21‑30 (median age 30) and slightly more men than women. No health‑worker infections were reported during the reporting week.
The rising death toll despite fewer new infections signals that many patients present late, often because treatment is costly, awareness is low, sanitation is poor, and earlier infections among health workers have strained the response. Lassa fever spreads through contact with rodent‑contaminated food or household items and can pass person‑to‑person via bodily fluids, putting anyone at risk, especially young adults who make up the bulk of cases. A fatality rate of nearly one in five means the disease remains a serious public‑health threat with significant social and economic costs.
To reduce risk, the NCDC urges communities to sustain awareness campaigns, keep environments clean to deter rodents, and seek care early at the first sign of fever, weakness or headache. Health workers should maintain a high index of suspicion, refer suspected cases promptly and follow strict infection‑prevention controls. Individuals can help by reporting rodent infestations, storing food safely and supporting local awareness efforts. Will you improve sanitation and rodent control around your home to lower your Lassa fever risk?