# Nigeria Lassa Fever Deaths Rise to 23.6%

> Nigeria reports 268 Lassa fever deaths as fatality rate hits 23.6% in 2026.
- Title: Nigeria Lassa Fever Deaths Rise to 23.6% | Shortify
- Summary: 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%…
- Keywords: nigeria, lassa fever, ncdc, fatality rate, 2026, health, deaths, case fatality rate, news, politics, Lassa, Fever
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/news/916572-nigeria-records-268-lassa-fever-deaths-as-fatality-rate-rises-to-23-6-ncdc.html
- Author: Fortune Eromonsele
- Published: 2026-10-12T21:41:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nigeria, lassa fever, ncdc, fatality rate, 2026, health, deaths, case fatality rate, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Nigeria recorded 268 Lassa fever deaths in 2026 with a fatality rate of 23.6% according to NCDC.