Lassa Fever: Medical Academy Demands Action as Deaths Hit 204
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that Lassa fever has killed 204 people in Nigeria in 2026, prompting the Nigerian Academy of Medicine to demand urgent government action as the fatality rate worsens. As of May 29, 2026, the NCDC has recorded 793 laboratory-confirmed Lassa fever cases across multiple states, with the outbreak's case fatality rate rising to approximately 25.7%, higher than previous years and surpassing 2025 levels. Delayed treatment and weak surveillance systems have been cited as major factors contributing to the rising death toll. The Academy of Medicine has called on the Federal Government to declare the Lassa fever outbreak a national health emergency, strengthen year-round surveillance, improve early detection systems, and ensure adequate funding for diagnostics, treatment, and community engagement. Members warned that the current trend threatens Nigeria's public health security and […]
