Lassa Fever: Fatality Rate Hits 23.9% As Cases Reach 1,086

Lassa fever case fatality rate has remained above the level recorded last year, with 259 deaths recorded among 1,086 confirmed cases in the first 36 epidemiological weeks of 2026.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in its Lassa Fever Situation Report released on Tuesday, put the case fatality rate at 23.9 per cent as of September 6, compared with 18.6 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.

Although the number of new confirmed cases declined during the current reporting week, the high fatality rate remains a concern for disease control authorities.

NCDC reported 12 new confirmed cases in epidemiological week 36, covering August 31 to September 6, compared with 18 cases recorded in the preceding week.

The new cases were reported in Ondo, Edo and Kogi states.

Cumulatively, 24 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 118 Local Government Areas since the beginning of the year.

Five states; Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo, accounted for 87 per cent of the confirmed cases recorded nationwide.

The report also showed that young adults remained the most affected age group, with people aged 21 to 30 years accounting for the predominant share of cases.

No new healthcare worker infection was recorded during the week.

The current figures represent a gradual decline in weekly confirmed cases. In epidemiological week 34, Nigeria recorded 21 new confirmed cases, which fell to 18 in week 35 and further to 12 in week 36.

However, the decline in weekly cases has not translated into a comparable reduction in the overall fatality burden.

As of week 35, the country had recorded 1,074 confirmed cases and 258 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 24 per cent.

The NCDC figures underscore the continued need for early detection and treatment of Lassa fever, particularly in states accounting for the majority of confirmed infections.

The concentration of cases in five states also highlights the importance of sustained surveillance, public awareness and rapid response in affected communities.

Lassa fever is a viral disease that can cause severe illness and death, particularly when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.