Nigeria has recorded 1,115 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 263 deaths across 24 states, with the case fatality rate rising to 23.6 per cent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The figures were contained in the agency’s situation report for epidemiological week 38, covering September 14 to September 20, 2026.
The report showed that the current case fatality rate was higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, raising concerns over the number of deaths associated with the viral disease.
Despite the increase in the fatality rate, Nigeria recorded a decline in new infections during the week under review. The NCDC reported 11 confirmed cases, compared with 17 cases recorded in the preceding week.
The newly confirmed infections were reported in Ondo, Edo and Taraba states, bringing the disease’s spread to 119 local government areas across 24 states.
Five States Account for 87% of Confirmed Cases
According to the NCDC, the outbreak remains concentrated in five states: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo.
The agency disclosed that these states accounted for 87 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases recorded nationwide.
The figures highlight the concentration of the disease in specific parts of the country, despite its spread across multiple states and local government areas.
The NCDC also identified young adults as the age group most affected by the infection, with people between 21 and 30 years accounting for the largest proportion of cases.
No New Infections Among Health Workers
The report indicated that no new Lassa fever infections were recorded among healthcare workers during epidemiological week 38.
Before the latest reporting period, Nigeria had recorded 1,104 confirmed cases and 259 deaths as of epidemiological week 37, with a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent.
The latest figures therefore represent an increase of 11 confirmed cases and four deaths compared with the cumulative totals reported in the preceding week.
How Lassa Fever Spreads
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food, household items or surfaces contaminated by the urine or droppings of infected rodents.
The disease can also spread from one person to another through contact with infected bodily fluids, particularly in healthcare settings where appropriate infection prevention and control measures are not observed.
Symptoms may include fever, weakness, headache and vomiting, although some infected people may initially experience mild or no symptoms. Severe cases can lead to complications and death.
Health authorities continue to urge Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, store food in rodent-proof containers, keep homes and surroundings clean, and avoid contact with rats.
Healthcare workers are also advised to follow standard infection prevention procedures when attending to suspected cases.
The NCDC recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with Lassa fever seek prompt medical attention, as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve the chances of survival.
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