Lassa Fever Death Toll in Nigeria Reaches 190 in 2026

As of epidemiological week 17 covering April 20-26, 2026, Nigeria's Lassa fever death toll has risen to 190, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 25.2%, an increase from the 19.1% recorded during the same period in 2025. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported a decline in new confirmed infections, with only nine cases recorded in week 17, down from 29 in week 16.

Despite this decrease, concerns persist regarding the poor health-seeking behavior among infected individuals, particularly among healthcare workers. The NCDC confirmed that cases have been reported in 23 states across 105 local government areas, with five states—Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo—accounting for 84% of confirmed cases.

The NCDC continues to respond nationwide in collaboration with state governments and development partners, including WHO, MSF, UNICEF, and the US CDC, to enhance capacity and train 62 infection prevention and control focal persons across Lassa fever treatment facilities in Ebonyi and Ondo states.