Rising Lassa Fever Death Toll in Nigeria Despite Fewer New Cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports 167 Lassa fever deaths so far in 2026, pushing the case fatality rate to 25.2% from 18.5% in the same period last year. In Epidemiological Week 13, seven states recorded 26 new confirmed cases, down from 51 the week before. Overall, 663 cases have been confirmed out of 3,831 suspected reports across 22 states and 93 local government areas. Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and Benue account for 85% of confirmed cases, with young adults aged 21–30 most affected. Persistent issues—late presentation, high treatment costs, poor sanitation and low awareness—are driving the high fatality rate. The NCDC has activated a multi-partner incident management system with WHO, UNICEF and MSF. It calls on states to sustain community engagement and urges healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion. Experts warn that closing gaps in early diagnosis and treatment is essential to reverse the deadly trend.

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