By Monsurat Abisoye
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over the rising death toll from Lassa fever, revealing that 214 people have died from the disease across the country in 2026.
In its latest situation report released on 22 June, the agency said the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has increased to 25 per cent, meaning one in every four confirmed cases has resulted in death.
The NCDC noted that despite ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak, the fatality rate remains higher than that recorded during the same period in previous years. It attributed the trend to delayed hospital visits, poor health-seeking behaviour and difficulties in managing severe cases.
The agency urged Nigerians to maintain good hygiene, avoid contact with rodents and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms of Lassa fever.