The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a decline in new Lassa fever cases during epidemiological week 19 (May 4–10), with 17 confirmed infections, down from 22 cases in the previous week.
The cases were recorded across Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, and Nasarawa states, according to the NCDC’s weekly Lassa Fever Situation Report. Despite the decrease in weekly infections, the overall death toll for 2026 has reached 204, reflecting ongoing transmission across multiple states.
The report indicates a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 25.7%, higher than the 19.4% recorded in the same period of 2025. Health authorities attribute the elevated fatality rate to late reporting, poor health-seeking behaviors, and pressure on healthcare facilities managing severe cases.
So far, 23 states across 108 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case in 2026, with 84% of infections concentrated in five high-burden states. Bauchi and Ondo accounted for 26% of cases each, followed by Taraba at 16%, Edo at 9%, and Benue at 7%. The remaining 16% were spread across 18 other states.
Data also show that young adults aged 21–30 years remain the most affected, with a median age of 30 years, while males and females are affected almost equally (male-to-female ratio 1:0.9). The NCDC reported one healthcare worker infection during the week, highlighting ongoing occupational risks.
The agency affirmed that national response measures are in place, including strengthened surveillance, infection prevention training, risk communication, case management, and community engagement to curb further spread.
