The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 75 deaths from Lassa fever between January and mid-February 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 23 per cent.
In its Epidemiological Week 7 report covering February 9 to 15, the agency said 82 new confirmed cases were recorded during the week, up from 74 cases in the preceding week.
Cumulatively, 326 confirmed cases and four probable cases have been recorded out of 1,538 suspected cases so far this year.
The NCDC noted that the 23 per cent fatality rate recorded in 2026 is higher than the 19.7 per cent reported during the same period in 2025, raising fresh concerns over the severity of the outbreak.
Confirmed cases for the reporting week were recorded in 14 states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna and Benue.
Overall, 16 states across 58 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case in 2026.
The report showed that 84 per cent of confirmed cases came from four states — Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Edo — with Bauchi accounting for the highest proportion of infections.
Young adults between 21 and 30 years remain the most affected age group, although cases range from one to 90 years. The male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8.
The agency also disclosed that five healthcare workers were infected during the reporting week, heightening concerns about infection prevention and control in health facilities.
Although suspected and confirmed cases are lower compared to the same period last year, the NCDC expressed concern over late presentation of patients and poor health-seeking behaviour, which it said are contributing to the rising fatality rate.
The agency said its national Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response efforts and urged states to intensify community sensitisation and preventive measures to curb further spread.
