Lassa Fever Death Toll Reaches 146 in Nigeria Outbreak

As of mid-March 2026, Nigeria has recorded 500 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, leading to 146 deaths, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The outbreak, which began in January, has particularly affected Bauchi and Taraba states, where the case fatality rates are alarmingly high at 21.9% and 52%, respectively.

Healthcare workers are also impacted, with at least 38 infections reported. The NCDC highlights a significant rise in cases, with a sharp increase of 66 new infections recorded in week 10 alone.

Public health experts attribute the high fatality rates to delays in diagnosis and treatment, compounded by misinformation and weak healthcare systems. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been involved in expanding treatment efforts and improving early diagnosis in affected areas.

The situation in Taraba is particularly severe, with the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo reporting 50 deaths among 95 confirmed cases, emphasizing the urgent need for improved healthcare responses.