The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that Lassa fever has killed 214 people in Nigeria, with the fatality rate rising to 25 per cent.
The figure was revealed in the NCDC Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23, covering June 1 to June 7, 2026.
The agency said the death rate has increased significantly compared to the 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
Lassa Fever Spreads Across 23 States
The NCDC said confirmed and suspected cases have increased, with infections reported in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states during the week.
The outbreak has now spread across 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas since January 2026.
Five states account for about 84 per cent of confirmed cases:
Ondo – 28%
Bauchi – 25%
Taraba – 15%
Edo – 10%
Benue – 6%
The remaining cases are distributed across 18 other states.
Young Adults Most Affected
The health agency said young adults remain the most affected group, with the highest number of cases among people aged 21 to 30 years.
Reported cases range from one year old to 93 years old, with an average age of about 30 years.
NCDC Continues Emergency Response
The NCDC said its National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remains active to coordinate response efforts at federal, state, and local government levels.
Although no new infections among health workers were recorded during the latest reporting week, the agency warned that the rising death rate and wider spread show that transmission is still ongoing.
Surveillance, treatment, and prevention activities are continuing across affected states.
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