Lassa Fever Claims 224 Lives, 936 Cases Reported in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that Lassa Fever has led to 224 deaths and 936 confirmed cases across 23 states and 113 local government areas as of Epidemiological Week 27. There were 14 new confirmed infections reported, a decrease from 31 the previous week, with cases detected in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Benue, and Kogi states.

The case fatality rate rose to 23.9%, compared to 18.9% during the same period in 2025. Ondo State accounted for 30% of cases, followed by Bauchi (25%), Taraba (14%), Edo (10%), and Benue (6%).

The NCDC indicated that the disease primarily affects young adults aged 21 to 30 years. No healthcare workers were infected during the reporting week.

The NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Incident Management System and conducted training for healthcare workers in several states. Community engagement activities were also implemented to raise awareness and promote early healthcare seeking.