Lassa Fever Deaths Rise to 237 as Nigeria Hits 1,000 Cases Following Fresh Two-Week Surge

Nigeria’s ongoing battle against Lassa fever has hit a alarming milestone as health authorities reported 37 new confirmed cases and eight deaths within a two-week span.

Data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) shows that the latest surge has pushed the total number of confirmed Lassa fever cases in 2026 to 1,000, while the cumulative death toll reached 237. The disease’s fatality rate now stands at 23.7%, significantly higher than figures recorded during the same period in previous years.

According to the disease control agency’s situation reports covering Weeks 29 and 30, fresh infections were verified across four key states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Benue. Overall, Lassa fever has spread to 23 states across 116 local government areas. However, the vast majority of cases remain heavily concentrated, with five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue—accounting for 86% of all confirmed infections nationwide. Ondo State leads the tally, carrying 32% of all national cases.

The virus also continues to pose a serious occupational hazard to frontline medical personnel. With another health worker testing positive in the latest reporting week, the total number of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff infected with Lassa fever in 2026 has climbed to 53. In response, the NCDC, in partnership with global health organizations, has rolled out a targeted protection plan to supply protective gear, train personnel, and enforce strict safety standards in high-risk treatment centers.

Health experts emphasized that delayed medical attention is the single biggest cause of fatalities. Many patients arrive at treatment centers when the infection has already severely damaged internal organs. High treatment costs, poor sanitation in rodent-infested communities, and general hesitation to seek early medical help have further complicated containment efforts.

Public health officials continue to urge citizens to maintain clean surroundings, store food items in tightly sealed containers to prevent rodent contamination, and report fever symptoms immediately to accredited medical facilities.