NCDC REPORTS 167 LASSA FEVER DEATHS AS FATALITY RATE RISES IN 2026

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 167 deaths and 663 cases of Lassa fever across Nigeria in 2026, raising concerns over an increasing fatality rate despite a recent decline in new infections.

In its latest update released Thursday, the agency revealed that the disease has spread to 22 states and 93 local government areas, with Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue states accounting for 85 per cent of all confirmed cases. Bauchi leads with 28 per cent, followed by Ondo (22 per cent) and Taraba (18 per cent).

The NCDC noted that the current case fatality rate stands at 25.2 per cent — a sharp rise compared to 18.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025 — highlighting a more worrying trend in the outbreak.

However, the report also showed a drop in new infections. During epidemiological week 13 (March 23 to 29), confirmed cases declined to 26 from 51 recorded the previous week. New infections were reported in Edo, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Benue, and Kaduna states.

According to the agency, young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the most affected group, although cases have been recorded across a wide age range from one to 90 years. The male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8, indicating a slightly higher impact on males.

No new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the review period, but the NCDC warned that both suspected and confirmed cases remain higher than figures reported at the same time last year.

To curb the outbreak, the agency said it has activated a national multi-partner incident management system, intensified contact tracing, and deployed rapid response teams to high-burden areas. It also emphasised infection prevention and control measures across healthcare facilities.

The NCDC identified key factors driving the rising fatality rate, including late presentation of patients, poor health-seeking behaviour due to treatment costs, and low awareness in affected communities.

It called on state governments to strengthen public awareness campaigns, while urging healthcare workers to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to infection prevention protocols to reduce further spread and deaths.