Lassa fever death toll reaches 167 as death rate rises despite decline in new cases – NCDC

Nigeria’s Lassa fever death toll has risen to 167, even as the number of new confirmed cases fell sharply in the last reporting week, according to the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The agency revealed this in its epidemiological report for week 13, March 23 to 29, 2026, noting that confirmed infections dropped to 26 from 51 recorded in the previous week.

Despite the reduction in new cases, health authorities have expressed concern about the worsening mortality rate, which now stands at 25.2%, significantly higher than the 18.5% recorded in the same period in 2025.
Seven states record new infections

According to the report, the new cases were detected in seven states, including Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, Benue and Kaduna.

So far this year, 22 states in 93 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case of the disease.

Young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the hardest-hit demographic, the agency added.

However, no new infections were recorded among healthcare workers in the week under review.

Although transmission appears to be slowing, the rising number of deaths has heightened concern among public health officials, who warn that late presentation of cases and poor access to care continue to cause deaths.

The NCDC noted that many patients still arrive late at health facilities, often due to low awareness and high cost of treatment, resulting in reduced chances of survival.

In response to the outbreak, the NCDC, in collaboration with partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scaled up interventions in affected states.

These include a 30-day protection plan for healthcare workers, expanded infection prevention and control measures and intensified surveillance activities.

The agency also conducted high-level advocacy visits to Benue State together with WHO, UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), focusing on strengthening case management and infection control practices.

Additionally, rapid response teams have been deployed in seven high-burden states, while personal protective equipment (PPE) has been pre-positioned and distributed to healthcare facilities.
Persistent challenges

The NCDC has identified poor health-seeking behaviour, late presentation of cases, inadequate awareness and poor environmental hygiene in high-risk communities as key factors sustaining the epidemic.

While infections among healthcare workers remain a concern, the agency confirmed that no new cases were recorded in the week under review.
I call for stronger prevention

The agency urged state governments to intensify community awareness campaigns and strengthen preventive measures year-round.

It also advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, ensure timely referral of suspected cases and strictly adhere to infection prevention protocols.

The NCDC also called for stronger collaboration with partners to improve early diagnosis, rapid response capacity and treatment outcomes nationwide.

Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, continues to pose a recurring public health threat in Nigeria, particularly during peak transmission seasons.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE