The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 75 deaths from Lassa fever between January and mid-February 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 23 per cent.
In its Epidemiological Week 7 report covering February 9 to 15, the agency recorded 82 new confirmed cases, up from 74 cases in the preceding week.
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So far this year, 326 confirmed cases and four probable cases have been reported out of 1,538 suspected cases.
The NCDC said the 23 per cent fatality rate in 2026 is significantly higher than the 19.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025, raising fresh concerns over the severity of the outbreak.
Confirmed cases during the reporting week were recorded in 14 states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Benue. Overall, 16 states across 58 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case this year.
About 84 per cent of confirmed cases were concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, and Edo states, with Bauchi accounting for the highest number of infections.
Young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the most affected group, though cases range from one to 90 years. The male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8.
The agency also disclosed that five healthcare workers were infected during the reporting week, highlighting concerns about infection prevention and control in health facilities.
Although suspected and confirmed cases are lower compared to the same period last year, the NCDC expressed concern over the late presentation of patients and poor health-seeking behaviour, factors it said are contributing to the rising fatality rate.
The national Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response efforts, while states have been urged to intensify community sensitisation and preventive measures to curb further spread.
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