Nigeria records 259 Lassa fever deaths in 2026, fatality rate jumps to 23.9%
Nigeria has recorded 259 deaths from 1,086 confirmed Lassa fever cases since January 2026, with a case-fatality rate of 23.9%—significantly higher than 18.6% during the same period in 2025. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reports cases across 24 states and 118 LGAs, with 87% concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states. The predominant age group affected remains 21-30 years. Late patient presentation driven by high treatment costs and poor health-seeking behaviour are cited as major challenges exacerbating deaths, alongside environmental sanitation gaps and healthcare worker infections. Although weekly new cases declined slightly from 18 to 12 in epidemiological week 36 (Aug 31-Sept 6), cumulative cases and deaths continue to rise. NCDC has deployed rapid response teams to seven high-burden states, strengthened infection control in Akwa Ibom, Bauchi and Lagos, and distributed PPE while urging early treatment and year-round community engagement. With treatment access barriers persisting, will you seek immediate care for fever symptoms or advocate for affordable Lassa fever management in your community?