Nigeria’s Lassa fever death toll hits 268, fatality rate rises

At least 268 people have died from Lassa fever in Nigeria this year, as the proportion of confirmed patients dying from the disease rises to 23.6%, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

A total of 1,138 confirmed cases were recorded between epidemiological weeks one and 40, covering January 1 to October 4. During the corresponding period in 2025, Nigeria recorded 924 confirmed cases and 172 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 18.6%.

The latest figures represent an increase of 214 confirmed infections and 96 deaths compared with the same period last year.

Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue accounted for 88% of confirmed infections nationwide, making them the most affected states in the reporting period.

Ondo recorded the highest proportion of cases at 36%, followed by Bauchi with 23%, Taraba with 12%, Edo with 11% and Benue with 6%. Confirmed infections were reported in 24 states across 119 local government areas.

Despite the rising cumulative death toll, newly confirmed infections declined in the latest reporting week. Three cases were recorded between September 28 and October 4, compared with 13 in the preceding week. The three new cases were reported in Bauchi and Benue, while one death was recorded during the week.

People aged 21 to 30 remained the most affected age group, although infections were recorded among patients aged between one and 93 years. The outbreak has also affected healthcare personnel, with 54 healthcare workers reported to have contracted the disease in 2026.

The NCDC has identified delayed presentation at health facilities, the high cost of treatment and poor health-seeking behaviour as factors contributing to the high fatality rate. Late diagnosis can delay appropriate treatment, increasing the risk of severe illness and death.

Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with infected bodily fluids, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention measures are inadequate.

The NCDC has continued to promote surveillance, early diagnosis, improved case management and infection prevention measures in affected areas. It has also urged residents to store food in rodent-proof containers, maintain clean surroundings and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms consistent with the disease.

The increase in deaths compared with 2025 underscores the continuing challenge of containing Lassa fever in Nigeria, particularly in states carrying the largest burden of confirmed infections. Early detection, timely treatment and stronger preventive measures remain central to reducing fatalities.