Nigeria records 268 Lassa fever deaths as fatality rate rises to 23.6%

Summary

The NCDC says Nigeria recorded 268 Lassa fever deaths in 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 23.6%.

Highlights

• The deaths were recorded among 1,138 confirmed cases reported between epidemiological weeks 1 and 40.
• The NCDC said confirmed cases rose from 924 in the same period in 2025, while deaths increased from 172 to 268.
• New confirmed cases fell to three in week 40, down from 13 the previous week.
• The latest cases were reported in Bauchi and Benue states.
• The NCDC said late presentation to health facilities, treatment costs and poor health-seeking behaviour were among the factors behind the high fatality rate.