Nigeria has recorded 237 deaths from Lassa fever among 1,000 confirmed cases in the first 30 epidemiological weeks of 2026, with health authorities warning communities and healthcare workers to intensify prevention, early detection and prompt treatment of the disease.
According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological week 30, covering July 20–26, 2026, the country recorded 17 new confirmed cases and six deaths during the week under review.
The six deaths represent a case-fatality rate (CFR) of 35.3 per cent for the week, while the cumulative CFR rose to 23.7 per cent, significantly higher than the 18.8 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
The new cases were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Benue states, bringing the number of states affected by confirmed infections in 2026 to 23, across 116 Local Government Areas.
The report showed that the outbreak remains concentrated in a handful of states, with 86 per cent of all confirmed cases reported from Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue. Ondo accounted for 32 per cent, Bauchi 25 per cent, Taraba 13 per cent, Edo 10 per cent and Benue six per cent.
The development underscores the continuing public health threat posed by the disease, particularly as the number of suspected and confirmed cases is higher than that recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
Young adults remain particularly affected, with people aged 21–30 years constituting the predominant age group among confirmed cases. The age range of patients was one to 93 years, with a median age of 30.
The report also recorded one additional healthcare worker infection during the week, reinforcing concerns about occupational exposure and the need for strict infection prevention and control measures in health facilities.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and its partners have continued case-management training, surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, risk communication and community engagement, while personal protective equipment has been pre-positioned in affected facilities.
However, authorities identified late presentation, poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, inadequate sanitation and low community awareness as major challenges driving deaths.
The NCDC urged states to sustain year-round community engagement and Lassa fever prevention campaigns, while healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, ensure timely referral and treatment, and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols.
The public is also urged to seek medical attention early when symptoms such as fever, headache, weakness, vomiting or unexplained bleeding occur, particularly where there has been possible exposure to rodents or an infected person.
Early recognition, prompt treatment and stronger community and healthcare-facility prevention measures remain critical to reducing Lassa fever deaths and stopping further transmission.
