Nigeria records decline in Lassa fever cases but rising fatality rate, 170 deaths nationwide
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has reported a decrease in new confirmed Lassa fever cases, with 22 recorded in Week 14 of 2026, down from 26 the previous week. However, the cumulative death toll has reached 170 nationwide, and the case fatality rate has climbed to 24.8%, significantly higher than the 18.8% recorded in 2025. The infections are spread across eight states, indicating continued geographic spread of the disease. Oyo State confirmed a Lassa fever death of a 44-year-old woman in Ibadan, with the state government activating its emergency response system and setting up an Incident Management System for contact tracing and monitoring. Public health experts suggest the rising fatality rate may indicate late presentation, gaps in early detection, or limited access to timely treatment. In 2026, 22 states across 94 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case, with 84% of cases originating from five states: Bauchi 27%, Ondo 22%, Taraba 18%, Edo 9%, and Benue 8%. Young adults aged 21 to 30 are the most affected demographic. While suspected cases have declined, confirmed infections have increased, suggesting improved diagnostic capacity but sustained community transmission. One new healthcare worker infection was recorded in Week 14. The NCDC has activated a national multi-partner Incident Management System and, in collaboration with partners, intensified surveillance, case management, and public health interventions. Key response measures include
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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized the Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE decision to suspend traffic stops following two fatal shootings within a week. The Department of Homeland Security DHS halted the practice after a Colombian man was shot dead in Maine on Monday and a Mexican man was killed in Texas last week. Trump stated on Truth Social that traffic stops are a crucial crime-fighting tool and should not be abandoned, urging ICE to be judicious and resume their work. Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, confirmed a "pause" in traffic stops but maintained their effectiveness and anticipated their return. Rights groups identified the Maine victim as Joan Sebastian Guerrero, 26, a delivery driver authorized to work in the United States. Colombian leader Gustavo Petro called Guerrero's killing a "murder of a Latin American Colombian at the hands of the US government." In the Texas incident, immigration authorities claimed Lorenzo Salgado, 52, attempted to run over an ICE agent, an account disputed by witnesses. ICE agents have faced backlash for aggressive tactics and previous shooting deaths of US citizens in Minneapolis.
Must ReadThe Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to the Federal Government. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC had established reasonable suspicion that the assets were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The court found that Malami, his family members, and associated companies failed to disprove the EFCC's allegations regarding the legitimacy of the funds used for acquisition. The properties are located in Abuja, Kano, Kebbi, and Kaduna states. This judgment follows an interim forfeiture order granted in January over 57 properties, with the EFCC alleging they were proceeds of unlawful activities valued at N212.8 billion. While 48 properties were ordered for final forfeiture, the interim forfeiture order for some others was discharged.
Must ReadThe Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency NIHSA has issued a flood advisory, indicating that 14 states face a medium flood risk between July 14 and July 20. Mr. Umar Mohammed, the Director-General of NIHSA, stated that this advisory is based on the agency's latest hydrological forecast, which predicts localized flooding along major river channels and identifies 16 high-risk monitoring stations. The states identified are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, and Plateau. NIHSA warned that various local government areas and communities, including schools, health facilities, and markets, could be impacted without precautionary measures. Mohammed explained that the Annual Flood Outlook AFO provides flood predictions to aid disaster preparedness, response planning, and risk reduction. He urged state governments, emergency management agencies, and communities to enhance early warning systems, evacuation plans, and public awareness. Critical locations on the projected flood path include Saminaka on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to relocate, clear drainage channels, avoid flooded roads, and stay informed by NIHSA's forecasts. Emergency management agencies are also encouraged to pre-position relief materials and activate community-based early warning systems to mitigate flood impacts.