The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says the country has recorded 1,086 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 259 deaths across 24 states and 118 LGAs in 2026.
In its latest Lassa fever situation report for week 36 (August 31 to September 6), the NCDC said 12 new confirmed cases were recorded during the period.
“The new confirmed cases recorded during the reporting week were reported in Ondo, Edo and Kogi states,” NCDC said.
“The cumulative figures for week 36 showed that 259 deaths had been recorded among the 1,086 confirmed cases, representing a case fatality rate (CFR) of 23.9 percent.
“The CFR remained higher than the 18.6 percent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, according to the latest figures released by the disease control agency,” it said.
NCDC said 24 states recorded at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 118 LGAs.
The agency said that 87 percent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases recorded in 2026 were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states.
The NCDC said Ondo and Bauchi recorded 89 and 36 deaths from Lassa fever, respectively.
“Eighty-seven percent (87%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from 5 states (Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue), while thirteen percent (13%) were reported from 18 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 87% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 34%, Bauchi 24%, Taraba 12%, Edo 11% and Benue 6%,” the agency said.
NCDC noted that no new healthcare workers were infected during epidemiological week 36.
“The 18 confirmed cases recorded in week 35 were reported in Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states,” it said.
“By the end of epidemiological week 35, Nigeria had recorded 1,074 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 258 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 24.0 per cent.
“The CFR recorded by the end of week 35 was also higher than the 18.6 percent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
“The predominant age group affected during epidemiological week 35 was people aged between 21 and 30 years.
“No new healthcare worker was affected by Lassa fever during epidemiological week 35, as surveillance and response activities continued nationwide.
“The increase in cumulative confirmed cases from 1,074 in week 35 to 1,086 in week 36 reflects the additional 12 confirmed cases recorded during the latest reporting period.
“Similarly, deaths increased from 258 in week 35 to 259 in week 36, while the CFR declined slightly from 24.0 per cent to 23.9 per cent.”
(Ripples)
