The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an increase in deaths from Lassa fever in 2026, even as the number of new infections shows a downward trend.
In its Epidemiological Week 13 report released on Thursday, the agency said 167 fatalities have been recorded so far this year, with a case fatality rate of 25.2 per cent — higher than the 18.5 per cent reported during the same period in 2025.
The report indicated that 26 new confirmed cases were recorded in the latest week, a significant drop from the 51 cases reported in the preceding week.
According to the NCDC, infections were documented in seven states — Edo, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Benue and Kaduna.
Despite the recent decline in weekly cases, the agency noted that the overall disease burden remains high, with 663 confirmed infections out of 3,831 suspected cases across 22 states and 93 Local Government Areas.
“The number of suspected and confirmed cases has increased compared to the same period in 2025,” the report stated.
The NCDC identified Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and Benue as the most affected states, accounting for 85 per cent of confirmed cases.
It further noted that individuals aged 21 to 30 years constitute the most affected demographic group.
The agency attributed the rising fatality rate to factors such as late presentation of patients, poor health-seeking behaviour and the high cost of treatment.
Other contributing factors include poor environmental sanitation and low awareness in affected communities.
The report, however, noted that no healthcare worker was infected during the period under review.
To curb the outbreak, the NCDC said it has activated a multi-partner Incident Management System to coordinate response efforts nationwide.
It added that collaboration with partners, including WHO, UNICEF and MSF, has been strengthened to boost surveillance, contact tracing and public sensitisation.
The agency also disclosed that targeted interventions, including infection prevention measures and healthcare worker protection plans, are ongoing in high-burden states.
While calling on state governments to intensify community engagement, the NCDC urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion to ensure early detection and prompt treatment.
Experts have warned that the increasing fatality rate, despite ongoing response measures, highlights critical gaps in early diagnosis and access to care.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease, is primarily transmitted through exposure to food or items contaminated by infected rodents and remains endemic in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season.
Health authorities emphasise that early diagnosis, timely treatment and strict infection prevention practices are key to reducing deaths and controlling outbreaks.
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