Death toll from Lassa fever reaches 191

By Chioma Obinna

New data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) indicates a concerning resurgence of Lassa fever infections in the country, with a marked increase in confirmed cases and a persistently high fatality rate across several states.

The agency’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 18 reported that new cases rose from nine in Week 17 to 22 in Week 18, with infections identified in Ondo, Edo, and Plateau States.

It also disclosed that 191 deaths have been recorded in 2026, raising the case fatality rate (CFR) to 24.6 percent, a significant jump from the 19.2 percent recorded during the same period in 2025. According to the report, 23 states across 106 Local Government Areas have reported at least one confirmed case this year.

A heavy concentration of infections remains in five states—Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Benue—which together account for 84 percent of all confirmed cases. Within this group, Bauchi and Ondo each contribute 26 percent, followed by Taraba (16 percent), Edo (9 percent), and Benue (7 percent).

The 21–30 age group is the most affected, with cases ranging from 1 to 90 years and a median age of 30. Gender distribution is nearly balanced, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.9.

The NCDC also reported a new infection among a healthcare worker in Week 18, underscoring ongoing risks to frontline responders despite intensified infection prevention measures.

“We are seeing late presentation of cases in many communities, and this continues to drive preventable deaths,” the agency said. “The high fatality rate is a clear signal that people are arriving at treatment centres too late.”

While suspected cases have declined, confirmed infections are rising, suggesting improved detection but also sustained transmission in high‑burden areas. The report warned that the 24.6 percent CFR remains dangerously high, reflecting weak health‑seeking behaviour and delayed access to care.

Lassa fever is treatable when detected early, but “we are still losing too many lives because patients come in late,” the NCDC added.

In response, the agency has activated a multi‑partner Incident Management System (IMS) nationwide and intensified activities such as infection prevention and control (IPC) training for healthcare workers in Ondo and Ebonyi, deployment of rapid response teams to high‑burden states, prepositioning of personal protective equipment (PPE) across treatment centres, community sensitisation campaigns with traditional and religious leaders, and expansion of ring IPC strategies in Benue and other hotspot states.

The NCDC is working with partners—including WHO, UNICEF, US CDC, MSF, ALIMA, and RTI International—to strengthen surveillance and outbreak control.

States are urged to intensify year‑round prevention efforts, particularly environmental sanitation and rodent control, which remain key drivers of transmission. “All stakeholders must sustain community engagement and strengthen infection prevention practices in both health facilities and households,” the report advised.

The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to reducing fatalities through early detection, improved treatment access, and strengthened protection for healthcare workers.

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