Nigeria reports 268 Lassa fever deaths as fatality rate climbs

Nigeria is facing a surge in Lassa fever cases and fatalities during 2026, according to official public health data. Head Topics and Premium Times Nigeria both report that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has confirmed 268 deaths from the viral illness in its latest situation report. [1][4]

The latest figures mark a significant rise in deaths and infections compared with the same period in 2025. Head Topics reports that the increase highlights challenges in accessing healthcare and underscores the necessity for improved disease prevention measures. [1]

Premium Times Nigeria reports that the case fatality rate for the disease in the country has now risen to 23.6 percent. Apex News Exclusive and The Gazelle News report that a new Lassa fever study is expected to inform vaccine research and epidemic preparedness across West Africa. [2][3][4]

In Nigeria, lower respiratory infections, neonatal disorders, and HIV or AIDS continue to be leading causes of death. Infectious diseases including malaria, tuberculosis, polio, and monkeypox have shown improvements in recent years through targeted public health interventions. [5]