Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 663 cases, 167 deaths in three months

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 663 cases of Lassa fever and 167 deaths across the country between January and March 2026.

In its latest situation report for Week 13 (March 23–29), the agency noted a decline in new infections, with 26 cases recorded compared to 51 in the previous week.

According to the report on Thursday, seven states — Edo, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Benue and Kaduna — accounted for the new cases, while 22 states have recorded infections across 93 local government areas so far this year.

The NCDC said the case fatality rate (CFR) has risen significantly. “Cumulatively, 167 deaths have been reported with a CFR of 25.2 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2025 (18.5 per cent),” the report stated.

It added that Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states account for 85 per cent of all confirmed cases in 2026, making them the most affected.

Young adults aged 21 to 30 years remain the most impacted demographic, while no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the period under review.

Despite the drop in weekly cases, the NCDC warned that Lassa fever remains a major health threat and urged Nigerians to strengthen preventive measures.

The agency advised proper food storage, effective rodent control, and early reporting of symptoms such as fever, headache and general weakness to health authorities.