NCDC Records Rise in Lassa Fever Cases as Death Toll Reaches 229

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a fresh increase in confirmed Lassa fever cases, with the death toll rising to 229 in 2026. According to the agency's latest situation report, confirmed infections increased to 963 cases by epidemiological week 28, reversing the decline recorded in the previous week and indicating continued transmission across affected states.

The NCDC disclosed that new confirmed cases dropped from 31 in week 26 to 14 in week 27, before rising again to 25 cases in week 28. The latest infections were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Kogi and Cross River states, while the disease has now spread across 114 local government areas in 23 states nationwide.

The agency said the case fatality rate currently stands at 23.8 per cent, significantly higher than the 18.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025. It added that Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo account for the overwhelming majority of confirmed cases, while people aged 21 to 30 years remain the most affected age group. One healthcare worker was also infected during week 28.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by maintaining proper hygiene, controlling rodent infestation, seeking prompt medical attention for suspected symptoms and strengthening infection prevention measures. It also called for sustained surveillance, early case detection and increased public awareness to curb the spread of the disease and reduce fatalities.