The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 1,086 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 259 deaths across 24 states and 118 Local Government Areas in 2026. This information was contained in the agency's Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological week 36, covering August 31 to September 6, 2026. The report highlights the ongoing impact of Lassa fever in Nigeria, with the disease remaining endemic in the country.
According to the NCDC report, 12 new confirmed cases were recorded in week 36, representing a decline from the 18 cases reported during epidemiological week 35 nationwide. The new confirmed cases were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Kogi states. 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 per cent.
The CFR remained higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, according to the latest figures released by the disease control agency. A total of 24 states recorded at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 118 LGAs, indicating that infections had been reported in several parts of Nigeria. The NCDC report also highlighted that 87 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases recorded in 2026 were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo states.
The predominant age group affected by Lassa fever remained people aged between 21 and 30 years, highlighting the continued impact of the disease among young adults. The agency also reported that no new healthcare worker was infected during epidemiological week 36, maintaining the number of affected health workers recorded during the reporting period. This development is a positive trend in the fight against Lassa fever.
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 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, according to the NCDC report. The situation report also indicated that 86 per cent of confirmed Lassa fever cases recorded by week 35 came from Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo states.
The NCDC will continue surveillance activities across affected states, monitoring confirmed cases, deaths, and healthcare worker infections as part of the national response effort. Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that remains endemic in Nigeria, with cases reported across multiple states and increased surveillance required to support timely detection and response. The agency's continued efforts aim to guide public health authorities and other stakeholders in monitoring the spread and responding to Lassa fever.
The NCDC urged continued attention to Lassa fever surveillance and response, particularly in states reporting confirmed infections, as authorities monitor the evolving epidemiological situation across affected communities. The week 36 report brings the cumulative national figures to 1,086 confirmed cases and 259 deaths, with 24 states and 118 LGAs affected. The continued monitoring of Lassa fever cases and deaths remains important for strengthening early detection, improving response measures, and protecting healthcare workers and communities in affected areas.
Key points
- - A total of 1,086 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 259 deaths were recorded across 24 states and 118 Local Government Areas in 2026. - The predominant age group affected by Lassa fever remained people aged between 21 and 30 years. - The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) for Lassa fever in 2026 was 23.9 per cent, higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
