Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 237 as Nigeria Records 1,000 Cases

Nigeria has recorded 1,000 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 237 deaths so far in 2026, according to the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The figures, covering epidemiological week 30, put the case fatality rate at 23.7 per cent, higher than the 18.8 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.

Although the number of newly confirmed cases fell from 20 in week 29 to 17 in week 30, the number of deaths increased from 231 to 237.

The 17 new cases recorded between July 20 and 26 were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Benue states.

The NCDC said Lassa fever has now been reported in 23 states and 116 Local Government Areas, underscoring the outbreak’s widespread nature.

Five states account for the majority of confirmed infections, with Ondo recording 32 per cent, Bauchi 25 per cent, Taraba 13 per cent, Edo 10 per cent and Benue six per cent. Together, the five states account for 86 per cent of confirmed cases.

The health agency identified several factors contributing to the high number of deaths, including delayed presentation at health facilities, the cost of treatment, poor health-seeking behaviour, inadequate sanitation and limited public awareness.

The NCDC urged Nigerians experiencing symptoms of Lassa fever to seek medical attention as early as possible, warning that delays in treatment can worsen outcomes.

Healthcare workers were also advised to maintain a high level of suspicion for the disease, ensure timely referrals and follow standard infection prevention and control measures.

The outbreak has also raised concerns over the safety of frontline medical personnel. The NCDC reported that 53 healthcare workers have been infected so far in 2026, with one additional case recorded during week 30.

The NCDC and its partners have introduced a 30-day Healthcare Worker Protection Plan to reduce infections among frontline health workers, particularly in states with high case numbers.

The agency also called on state authorities to strengthen community awareness and prevention efforts throughout the year rather than limiting such activities to periods of increased transmission.

Young adults remain the most affected group, with people aged 21 to 30 years accounting for the largest proportion of confirmed infections. However, confirmed cases have been recorded among people aged between one and 93 years, with a median age of 30.

The NCDC said the number of suspected and confirmed infections recorded so far this year remains higher than the corresponding period in 2025, underscoring the need for sustained surveillance, early diagnosis and prompt treatment.