The Academy of Medical Sciences Nigeria has called for urgent, coordinated national action following a surge in Lassa fever cases and deaths across the country.
In a statement on Monday, signed by its President, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, and Chairman of its Rapid Response Committee, Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, the Academy warned that the rising mortality and sustained transmission of the disease require immediate intervention.
Citing data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Academy said, “Nigeria has recorded 5,034 suspected cases, 793 laboratory-confirmed infections, and 204 deaths as of Epidemiological Week 19 (May 4–10, 2026).”
It added, “The case fatality rate has risen to 25.7 per cent, significantly higher than the 19.4 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025. This troubling trend underscores the urgent need for strengthened prevention and control measures.”
The Academy described Lassa fever as “one of Nigeria’s most significant viral haemorrhagic
