From Premium Times Nigeria · Fortune Eromonsele · · 2m
Nigeria Lassa Fever Deaths Rise to 23.6%
Nigeria reports 268 Lassa fever deaths as fatality rate hits 23.6% in 2026.
In brief
Nigeria reports 268 Lassa fever deaths as fatality rate hits 23.6% in 2026. Nigeria recorded 268 Lassa fever deaths in 2026 with a fatality rate of 23.6% according to NCDC. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Nigeria Lassa Fever Deaths
Nigeria recorded 268 Lassa fever deaths in 2026 with fatality rate rising to 23.6% compared to 18.6% in 2025.
Confirmed Cases and Deaths
NCDC reported 1,138 confirmed cases and 268 deaths across 28 September to 4 October 2026.
State Distribution
Five states account for 88% of cases: Ondo (36%), Bauchi (23%), Taraba (12%), Edo (11%), and Benue (6%).
Weekly Trends
New confirmed cases fell to three from 13 in previous week with one death among the cases.
Healthcare Worker Impact
54 healthcare workers affected by Lassa fever in 2026 with no new infections reported in week 40.
Response Measures
NCDC developed 30-day healthcare worker protection plan with WHO and US CDC support.
Community Engagement
NCDC conducted community activities with religious leaders in Edo and Ondo states and market women in Ondo.
Challenges
Late presentation of cases, poor sanitation, inadequate awareness, and high treatment costs remain key challenges.
Lassa Fever Explanation
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with infected rat urine or faeces.
Prevention Advice
NCDC recommends keeping food in rodent-proof containers and maintaining good environmental sanitation.
Healthcare Worker Advice
Healthcare workers should maintain high index of suspicion, ensure timely referral and treatment, and follow infection prevention procedures.
Ongoing Efforts
NCDC urges states to sustain community engagement on Lassa fever prevention throughout the year.
Key Statistics
Lassa fever cases range from one to 93 years with people aged 21 to 30 years most affected.
What Happens Next
NCDC will continue community engagement and healthcare worker protection efforts to reduce Lassa fever deaths.
What it means
Nigeria recorded 268 Lassa fever deaths in 2026 with a fatality rate of 23.6% according to NCDC.
