The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak has caused 214 deaths in 2026, marking a 25 percent fatality rate. Data from Epidemiological Week 23, ending June 7, revealed 13 new confirmed cases and four additional deaths concentrated in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi.
Total figures now stand at 855 confirmed infections out of 5,652 suspected cases across 109 local government areas. This represents a notable increase over the 18.9 percent mortality rate seen during the same period in 2025. Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue represent the majority of these infections, with Ondo alone contributing 28 percent of the national total.
Health officials identified that young adults aged 21 to 30 are the most affected demographic, though patients have ranged from one to 93 years old. The NCDC highlighted that delayed medical intervention, high treatment costs, and inadequate hygiene remain the primary drivers of the elevated death toll. While the agency continues its surveillance and community training efforts, they are advising the public to practice strict sanitation and avoid rodent contact while seeking prompt care for any symptoms like fever or bleeding.
