Lassa Fever Deaths Rise to 214, Fatality Rate Hits 25% – NCDC

Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives in Nigeria, with the Case Fatality Rate rising to 25.0 percent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

This figure is reported in the NCDC Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (June 1 to June 7).

The agency noted that the fatality rate has increased sharply from 18.9 percent during the same period in 2025.

Both suspected and confirmed cases have also risen compared to 2025.

“New confirmed cases held steady in week 23, matching the count from week 22.”

“Infections were reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi and Ebonyi. No new healthcare worker infections were reported during the week.”

“The outbreak has spread across 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas since January 2026,” the report added.

According to the agency, five states account for 84 percent of all confirmed cases.

“Ondo leads with 28 percent, followed by Bauchi 25 percent, Taraba 15 percent, Edo 10 percent, and Benue six percent.”

“The remaining 16 percent of cases are spread across 18 other states with confirmed infections,” it said.

The agency indicated that young adults remain most affected.

The predominant age group is 21‑30 years, with cases ranging from one to 93 years and a median age of 30 years.

The NCDC said that to coordinate the response, the National Lassa Fever Multi‑Partner, Multi‑Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) remained activated.

The IMS is supporting response activities at federal, state and LGA levels.

No new healthcare worker case was reported in week 23; the higher CFR and wider geographic spread point to ongoing transmission pressure.

Surveillance and case management efforts continue across the 23 affected states.

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