Nigeria Faces Surge in Lassa Fever Deaths in 2026

In 2026, Nigeria has recorded 268 deaths from Lassa fever, with a case fatality rate increasing to 23.6% from 18.6% in 2025. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported a rise in confirmed cases from 924 in 2025 to 1,138 this year.

Contributing factors include late presentation at health facilities, high treatment costs, and poor health-seeking behavior in affected communities. Lassa fever, first diagnosed in 1969 in Lassa, Borno State, remains a significant health challenge, with frequent outbreaks attributed to reduced surveillance and laboratory testing capacity, according to the World Health Organisation.

The disease, caused by a virus, has varied symptoms that complicate early diagnosis. Authorities are urged to enhance infection prevention measures, educate the public about the risks posed by rats, and promote better hygiene practices to combat the disease effectively.