Nigeria reports fewer new Lassa fever cases in week 14 as 2026 death toll reaches 170
The Facts
- The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported 22 new confirmed Lassa fever cases in epidemiological week 14 of 2026.
- New confirmed Lassa fever cases declined from 26 in week 13 to 22 in week 14.
- Nigeria’s cumulative Lassa fever death toll in 2026 reached 170 by week 14.
- The case fatality rate was reported at 24.8% in week 14, higher than 18.8% during the same period in 2025.
- Week 14 confirmed cases were reported in eight states: Edo, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Kogi, Plateau, Ebonyi and Benue.
- A total of 22 states and 94 local government areas had recorded at least one confirmed Lassa fever case by week 14.
- Oyo State confirmed a Lassa fever case at University College Hospital, Ibadan, involving a 44-year-old woman who died on April 11, 2026, with laboratory confirmation received on April 13.
- After confirming the Oyo case, the state government said it activated emergency response measures, including an Incident Management System and contact tracing.
Context
What changed in Nigeria’s latest Lassa fever update?
The latest NCDC update says weekly confirmed cases fell from 26 in week 13 to 22 in week 14, but the cumulative death toll reached 170 and the case fatality rate rose to 24.8%, compared with 18.8% in the same period of 2025 Premium Times Niger…,News Agency of Nige…,Arise News.
Where were the new week 14 cases reported?
The week 14 confirmed cases were reported in eight states: Edo, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Kogi, Plateau, Ebonyi and Benue THISDAYLIVE,Punch Newspapers,Arise News.
What response did Oyo State announce after its confirmed case?
Oyo State said it activated emergency response mechanisms after confirming the case at UCH, Ibadan, including using an Incident Management System to coordinate response activities and identifying and monitoring contacts of the deceased patient Premium Times Niger…,Guardian,Tribune Online.
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