The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant number of Lassa fever cases and deaths across the country. Between September 14 and 20, 2026, 1,115 confirmed cases were recorded, resulting in 263 deaths. This represents a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.6 per cent, which is higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
According to the NCDC's Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological week 38, 24 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 119 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as of the reporting period. The five states of Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo accounted for 87 per cent of all confirmed cases. The report also indicated that the predominant age group affected by Lassa fever remains people aged between 21 and 30 years.
The NCDC reported that 11 new confirmed cases were recorded in epidemiological week 38, representing a decline from the 17 cases reported in week 37. The new cases in week 38 were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Taraba states. This decline is a positive trend, but the agency remains concerned about the disease burden.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that can be transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. The disease can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control measures are inadequate. The NCDC has urged healthcare workers and the public to maintain appropriate preventive measures and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.
The agency also reported that no new healthcare worker was affected by the disease during epidemiological week 38. This is a positive development, as healthcare workers are at high risk of contracting the disease if proper precautions are not taken. By the end of epidemiological week 37, 1,104 confirmed cases and 259 deaths had been recorded, representing a CFR of 23.5 per cent.
In week 37, which covered September 7 to 13, 2026, 17 new confirmed cases were reported, an increase from the 12 cases recorded in week 36. The 17 cases in week 37 were reported in Ondo and Taraba states. The NCDC continues to monitor the situation and provide guidance to healthcare workers and the public.
The NCDC has urged the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures against Lassa fever. These measures include avoiding contact with infected rodents, using protective gear when handling potentially contaminated materials, and reporting suspected cases to health authorities promptly. The agency will continue to provide updates and guidance on the situation.
Key points
- 263 deaths recorded from 1,115 confirmed Lassa fever cases across 24 states between Sept 14-20, 2026.
- Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.6 per cent, higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
- Five states of Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo accounted for 87 per cent of all confirmed cases.
