Nigeria recorded 263 deaths from Lassa fever between January and September 20, 2026, as the country’s case fatality rate climbed to 23.6 per cent, raising concerns over the management of the disease and delays in seeking medical attention.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in its latest situation report covering September 14 to 20, disclosed that the country had recorded 1,115 confirmed cases across 119 local government areas in 24 states during the first 38 weeks of the year.
The reported fatalities represent an increase in both the number of deaths and the proportion of confirmed cases resulting in death compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
According to the NCDC, Nigeria recorded 168 deaths and 906 confirmed infections during the same period last year, when the case fatality rate stood at 18.5 per cent.
“Cumulatively, 263 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.6%, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2025 (18.5%),” the report stated.
The increase in the fatality rate comes amid a rise in suspected infections, with the public health agency recording 8,218 suspected cases in the first 38 weeks of 2026, compared with 7,792 cases during the corresponding period of 2025.
Five states account for 87 per cent of confirmed cases
The outbreak remains concentrated in five states — Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue — which collectively accounted for approximately 87 per cent of all confirmed infections reported during the period.
Ondo State recorded the highest number of confirmed cases, with 393 infections, followed by Bauchi with 260 cases and Taraba with 133.
Edo State recorded 122 confirmed cases, while Benue reported 61.
The figures highlight the concentration of the disease in a limited number of states, although confirmed infections have also been reported in other parts of the country.
Public health authorities continue to face the challenge of identifying infections early, ensuring access to appropriate treatment and strengthening community awareness, particularly in areas with a high burden of the disease.
New cases decline as deaths continue to be reported
During the reporting week, covering September 14 to 20, Nigeria recorded 11 new confirmed Lassa fever cases and four deaths, while 120 suspected cases were documented.
The weekly number of confirmed infections declined from 17 cases recorded in week 37. However, the continued reporting of fatalities underscores the need for sustained surveillance, early diagnosis and timely treatment.
The NCDC identified people aged 21 to 30 as the most affected age group, with confirmed cases recorded among patients ranging from one to 93 years old.
Although no new infection among healthcare workers was recorded during week 38, the cumulative number of healthcare workers affected by the disease stood at 54.
The involvement of healthcare workers remains a concern because infections among medical personnel can place additional pressure on health facilities and highlight the importance of strict infection prevention and control measures.
Late presentation contributes to high fatality rate
The NCDC identified late presentation of patients at health facilities as one of the factors contributing to the elevated case fatality rate.
Lassa fever can initially present with symptoms similar to those of other illnesses, making early recognition particularly important. Delays in seeking medical attention can complicate diagnosis and treatment, especially when patients do not receive appropriate care promptly.
The agency also listed the high cost of treatment and clinical management, poor environmental sanitation, inadequate awareness in heavily affected communities and infections among healthcare workers among the challenges confronting the national response.
These challenges point to the need for coordinated action involving health authorities, medical personnel and communities to improve prevention, early detection and access to care.
NCDC intensifies surveillance and prevention efforts
To strengthen the response, the NCDC said its activities included supporting active case searches and contact tracing, training frontline healthcare workers, distributing protective equipment and sustaining laboratory testing.
The national Lassa fever technical working group also continued to support coordination among stakeholders at different levels of the response.
The agency urged state governments to maintain community engagement on prevention throughout the year, stressing the importance of sustained public awareness rather than limiting preventive campaigns to periods when infections rise.
Healthcare workers were also advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, ensure timely referral and treatment of suspected cases, and consistently observe infection prevention and control procedures.
The recommendations are intended to improve the identification and management of cases while reducing the risk of transmission within healthcare settings.
Call for sustained community awareness
The latest figures underscore the continuing public health challenge posed by Lassa fever in Nigeria, particularly in states accounting for the largest share of confirmed infections.
The NCDC’s emphasis on year-round community engagement reflects the importance of educating residents about preventive measures, recognising warning signs and seeking medical attention promptly when illness is suspected.
With the case fatality rate rising from 18.5 per cent in 2025 to 23.6 per cent in 2026, the agency’s report highlights the importance of early presentation, effective clinical management and sustained surveillance in efforts to reduce deaths.
As the response continues, health authorities face the task of strengthening public awareness, improving access to timely care and ensuring that healthcare workers are adequately equipped to identify and manage suspected infections.
The NCDC’s latest report serves as a reminder that controlling Lassa fever requires sustained collaboration among federal and state health authorities, healthcare providers and communities, particularly in areas reporting the highest number of cases.