By Blessing Bature
Nigeria has recorded 167 deaths and 663 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in 2026, even as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention raises concern over an increasing fatality rate despite a recent decline in new infections.
According to its epidemiological week 13 report, covering March 23 to 29, the agency said new confirmed cases dropped to 26 from 51 in the previous week. The latest infections were identified in Edo, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Benue and Kaduna states.
Despite the weekly decline, cumulative data paints a worrying picture. The 167 deaths recorded so far represent a case fatality rate of 25.2 per cent—considerably higher than the 18.5 per cent reported during the same period in 2025.
The report further shows that the disease has affected 22 states and 93 local government areas nationwide. Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and Benue states account for 85 per cent of total confirmed cases, with Bauchi contributing 28 per cent, followed by Ondo at 22 per cent and Taraba at 18 per cent.
Young adults aged 21 to 30 are the most impacted group, although infections have been recorded across a wide age range, from one to 90 years. The male-to-female ratio stands at 1 to 0.8, suggesting slightly higher infection rates among men.
No new infections among healthcare workers were reported within the review period. However, the agency noted that both suspected and confirmed cases remain higher than figures recorded at the same time last year.
In response, the NCDC said it has activated a national, multi-partner incident management system, alongside intensified contact tracing, strengthened infection prevention measures and the deployment of rapid response teams to high-burden areas.
The agency attributed the rising fatality rate to late presentation of cases, limited healthcare-seeking behaviour driven by treatment costs, and low awareness in affected communities. It called on state governments to scale up community sensitisation efforts, while urging healthcare workers to remain vigilant and strictly follow infection prevention and control guidelines.
