NCDC records rise in Lassa Fever cases as death toll reaches 229
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reports a rise in Lassa fever cases, with the death toll reaching 229 in 2026. The disease continues to spread across multiple states, with young adults aged 21 to 30 being the most affected demographic.
Why it matters
The rising case fatality rate and continued transmission of Lassa fever highlight ongoing public health challenges and the need for improved surveillance in Nigeria.
THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an increase in confirmed Lassa fever cases in epidemiological week 28 after a decline in week 27.
This is with cumulative confirmed infections rising to 963 and deaths reaching 229 in 2026.
According to the NCDC, Lassa Fever situation report released in a statement on Friday, new confirmed cases dropped from 31 in week 26 to 14 in week 27 before increasing to 25 in Week 28.
The report said that this indicated continued transmission across affected states.
It also said that the week 28 cases were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Kogi and Cross River, while week 27 cases were recorded in Ondo, Edo, Benue, Bauchi and Kogi.
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