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A deadly Lassa fever outbreak has swept across Nigeria, claiming 237 lives out of 1,000 confirmed cases, with the fatality rate increasing to 23.7%. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed that the outbreak has affected 23 states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Benue, with 116 local government areas impacted.

The rapid spread of the disease has been fueled by late presentation, high treatment costs, and poor health-seeking behavior among Nigerians. The NCDC also identified poor environmental sanitation in high-burden communities, inadequate awareness, and continued infection among healthcare workers as major factors contributing to the high number of deaths.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) warned that seeking medical attention promptly when symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever develop is crucial, as delayed presentation can significantly worsen outcomes. Healthcare workers have been urged to maintain a high index of suspicion for the disease and initiate timely referral and treatment.

Five states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue, account for 86% of all confirmed Lassa fever cases in the country, with Ondo alone accounting for 32% of confirmed cases.

The NCDC also reported that rapid response teams have been deployed to seven high-burden states to support outbreak containment. The agency has also developed a 30-day Healthcare Worker Protection Plan aimed at reducing infections among frontline personnel in endemic states.

The concentration of infections in five states remains a major concern, with the NCDC urging states to strengthen year-round community engagement on Lassa fever prevention rather than limiting interventions to periods of outbreaks.

The age range of confirmed patients spans from one to 93 years, with a median age of 30. Young adults remain the most affected age group, with people aged 21 to 30 years accounting for the largest proportion of confirmed cases.

The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:0.9, with the number of suspected and confirmed cases in 2026 remaining higher than those recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

The continuing transmission of Lassa fever has also exposed healthcare workers to significant occupational risks, with one new healthcare worker infected during epidemiological week 30.

Key Facts

  • 237 people have died from Lassa fever in Nigeria
  • 1,000 confirmed cases have been recorded nationwide
  • 23 states and 116 local government areas have been affected
  • Five states account for 86% of all confirmed cases
  • Ondo alone accounts for 32% of confirmed cases