Lassa fever claims 221 lives as NCDC records fresh surge in infections

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that Lassa fever has killed 221 people this year, with confirmed cases rising from 13 in week 24 to 31 in week 26. A total of 922 confirmed cases have been recorded, with a case fatality rate of 24.0%, higher than in 2025. Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Bauchi, and Edo states account for 85% of infections. Young adults aged 21–30 are most affected, and two healthcare workers were infected.