Lassa Fever
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives nationwide, with the fatality rate increasing to 25 per cent. According to the agency’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (June 1–7, 2026), the figure is higher than the 18.9 per cent fatality rate recorded during the same period in 2025.
“New confirmed cases remained steady in Week 23, matching the number recorded in Week 22. Infections were reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states. No new healthcare worker infections were reported during the week.”
The NCDC said the outbreak has spread to 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas since the beginning of the year, with both suspected and confirmed cases increasing compared to 2025. It noted that Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue account for 84 per cent of all confirmed infections across the country.
“Ondo leads with 28 per cent, followed by Bauchi with 25 per cent, Taraba with 15 per cent, Edo with 10 per cent, and Benue with six per cent. The remaining 16 per cent of cases are spread across 18 other states with confirmed infections.”
The agency added that people aged 21 to 30 years remain the most affected group, while surveillance and response efforts continue in all affected states.
