Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has killed 268 people across 24 states, with cases reported in 119 local government areas and a fatality rate of 23.6%.

What it means

This is an update on Nigeria's ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, reporting that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 1,138 confirmed cases and 268 deaths across 24 states and 119 local government areas in 2026. The case fatality rate has risen to 23.6%, up from 18.6% previously, indicating a more lethal phase of the outbreak. Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans via contact with infected rodents, and Nigeria experiences seasonal outbreaks, but this year's toll is notably high.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is solid, as it is based on official NCDC data reported consistently by multiple reputable outlets including Anadolu Agency, Premium Times, and Daily Trust. The primary source is the NCDC's epidemiological report, and the reporting sits close to it, with all sources citing the same figures (1,138 cases, 268 deaths, 23.6% fatality rate). The consistency across independent outlets strengthens confidence in the numbers.

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