- The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that the case fatality rate for Lassa fever has reached 25%, a sharp increase from the 18.9% mortality rate recorded during the same timeframe last year.
- The outbreak has actively breached borders in 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas since January 2026, with 84% of all laboratory-confirmed cases heavily concentrated across five frontline states.
- Demographic data provided by health authorities shows that individuals between the ages of 21 and 30 years constitute the primary demographic affected by the ongoing viral transmission.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives across the country, with the disease’s case fatality rate jumping to 25%.
Eko Hot Blog reports that according to the NCDC’s comprehensive Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (spanning June 1 to June 7, 2026), the current mortality rate marks a severe escalation from the 18.9% recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
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Epidemiological indicators also demonstrate that both suspected and confirmed case profiles have experienced an upward trajectory over the past year.
While the metrics for new confirmed infections remained statistically stable between Week 22 and Week 23, active transmission patterns were freshly identified and documented in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states.
On a positive note, zero infections were reported among healthcare professionals during the week under review. However, the cumulative geographical footprint of the viral hemorrhagic disease has expanded significantly, affecting 109 Local Government Areas spread across 23 states since the beginning of the year.
According to the NCDC, a staggering 84% of all confirmed cases are localized within five states. Ondo State remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 28% of the total caseload, followed closely by Bauchi at 25%, Taraba at 15%, Edo at 10%, and Benue at 6%.
The remaining 16% of infections are scattered across 18 other states. An analysis of the patient demographic indicates that the virus is predominantly impacting young, productive adults, with the 21-to-30 age group emerging as the most affected, though overall cases span a wide spectrum from 1-year-old toddlers to 93-year-old seniors.
To establish a unified and robust medical response, the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remains fully operational.
The incident command structure is currently driving advanced contact tracing, logistical support, specialized diagnostics, and case management operations across federal, state, and local government platforms.
Despite the stabilization of weekly case counts and the protection of clinical staff, health officials warn that the elevated fatality rate and expanding regional footprint highlight an urgent need for enhanced community hygiene, stricter rodent control, and early reporting to emergency centers.
