Lassa fever kills 229 as cases rise again

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a renewed rise in Lassa fever infections, with the disease claiming 229 lives across the country in 2026.

In its latest situation report released on Friday, the NCDC said Nigeria had recorded 963 confirmed cases as of epidemiological week 28, with a case fatality rate of 23.8 per cent.

New confirmed cases fell from 31 in week 26 to 14 in week 27 before rising to 25 in week 28, indicating continued transmission across affected states.

The 25 cases recorded in week 28 were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Kogi and Cross River states. Cases recorded in week 27 came from Ondo, Edo, Benue, Bauchi and Kogi.

The NCDC said the 23.8 per cent fatality rate recorded in week 28 was higher than the 18.7 per cent reported during the corresponding period in 2025.

In week 27, Nigeria had recorded 936 confirmed cases and 224 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 23.9 per cent. The figure was also higher than the 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.

According to the report, at least one confirmed Lassa fever case has been recorded in 23 states. The disease affected 113 local government areas in week 27, increasing to 114 in week 28.

The majority of confirmed infections remained concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states. The five states accounted for 85 per cent of confirmed cases in week 27 and 86 per cent in week 28.

People between the ages of 21 and 30 remained the most affected group, highlighting the continued impact of the disease on young adults.

The report also showed that no healthcare worker was infected during week 27, while one healthcare worker contracted the disease in week 28.

The NCDC called for sustained disease surveillance, early detection of cases, prompt treatment and strict infection-prevention and control measures.

It also urged health authorities and communities to intensify public awareness campaigns to reduce transmission and prevent further deaths.