Nigeria’s Lassa Fever Crisis Deepens As Fatality Rate Rises To 23.7%

By DIANA CHUKWUKA

NIGERIA has recorded 1,000 confirmed Lassa fever cases this year, with 237 deaths reported so far.

The latest figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) show that 17 new confirmed cases emerged between 20 and 26 July.

The figure represents a decline from the 20 cases recorded the previous week.

The latest infections came from Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Benue states.

Despite the lower weekly case count, the outbreak has taken a more worrying turn.

The case fatality rate has climbed to 23.7 percent.

That means nearly one in every four confirmed patients has died.

The rate is significantly higher than the 18.8 percent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Lassa fever has now reached 23 states and 116 local government areas.

Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo account for 86 percent of the confirmed cases.

Young adults remain particularly affected.

People aged between 21 and 30 continue to record the highest number of infections.

Healthcare workers also remain exposed to the disease.

One health worker contracted Lassa fever during the latest reporting week.

No healthcare worker infection occurred in the preceding week.

Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria.

The disease commonly spreads through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.

Its early symptoms can resemble those of other common febrile illnesses.

That similarity can delay diagnosis and treatment.

The latest figures therefore present a mixed picture.

Weekly infections have declined slightly, but deaths among confirmed patients have increased.

The rising fatality rate remains a major concern as Nigeria continues its response to the outbreak.