The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a rise in the fatality rate of Lassa fever infections across the country, with 19.6 per cent of confirmed cases resulting in death as of Epidemiological Week 23.

According to the agency’s Lassa Fever Situation Report covering June 1 to June 7, 2026, the case fatality rate increased from the 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025, highlighting the continued public health challenge posed by the disease.

The NCDC noted that the number of newly confirmed cases in Week 23 remained unchanged from the previous week, with infections recorded in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states. It also stated that no new infections were reported among healthcare workers during the reporting period.

Since the beginning of the year, the outbreak has spread to 23 states and 109 Local Government Areas across the country, underscoring the widespread nature of the disease.

The report further revealed an increase in both suspected and confirmed cases compared to the corresponding period last year.

According to the NCDC, five states account for 84 per cent of all confirmed cases nationwide. Ondo State leads with 28 per cent of infections, followed by Bauchi State with 25 per cent, Taraba State with 15 per cent, Edo State with 10 per cent, and Benue State with six per cent. The remaining 16 per cent of confirmed cases were recorded across 18 other states.

The agency also highlighted that young adults remain the most affected age group, with the highest number of infections occurring among people aged 21 to 30 years. Confirmed cases range from patients aged one to 93 years, with a median age of 30 years.

To strengthen response efforts, the NCDC said the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) remains activated and is coordinating interventions at the federal, state, and local government levels.