By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives across the country, with the case fatality rate rising sharply to 25 per cent.
In its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (June 1–7, 2026), the agency said the fatality rate marks a significant increase from 18.9 per cent recorded in the same period in 2025.
According to the report, new confirmed cases remained stable in Week 23, matching the figures recorded in the previous week. Infections were reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi States, with no new cases involving healthcare workers.
The outbreak has now spread across 23 states and 109 local government areas since the beginning of 2026.
Ondo State accounts for the highest burden with 28 per cent of cases, followed by Bauchi with 25 per cent, Taraba with 15 per cent, Edo with 10 per cent, and Benue with 6 per cent, while other states account for the remaining 16 per cent.
The NCDC noted that the most affected age group is 21–30 years, with cases ranging from one to 93 years and a median age of 30 years.
It added that the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remains active to coordinate response efforts across federal, state, and local government levels.
While no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded in the reporting week, the agency warned that the rising fatality rate and expanding geographic spread indicate ongoing transmission.
Surveillance and case management activities, it said, are continuing in all affected states.
