Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives in Nigeria, with the case fatality rate rising to 25 per cent.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (June 1 to June 7, 2026), the fatality rate represents an increase from the 18.9 per cent 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 outbreak has spread across 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas since January 2026,” the report stated.
Suspected and confirmed cases have also increased compared to the corresponding period last year.
According to the agency, five states account for 84 per cent of all confirmed cases.
“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,” it added.
The agency noted that young adults remain the most affected demographic.
