Nigeria has recorded 1,115 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 263 deaths across 24 states, with the disease’s case fatality rate reaching 23.6 percent, according to public health data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The figures were detailed in the NCDC’s situation report for epidemiological week 38, covering the period from September 14 to September 20, 2026. Public health officials noted that the current fatality rate represents a notable increase compared to the 18.5 percent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
Despite the elevated fatality rate, weekly statistics indicated a decline in new infections, with 11 confirmed cases reported during the week under review, compared to 17 cases documented in the preceding week.
The new infections were identified across Ondo, Edo, and Taraba states, bringing the total geographic spread to 119 local government areas across 24 states. According to the agency, the national burden of the disease remains heavily concentrated within a small cluster of administrative zones. “87 per cent of all confirmed cases were reported from five states: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo,” the report stated.
The NCDC further identified young adults as the primary demographic affected by the outbreak.
“The predominant age group affected by Lassa fever remained people aged between 21 and 30 years,” the report noted.
No new infections among healthcare personnel were recorded during epidemiological week 38. Prior to the latest reporting period, cumulative data through week 37 stood at 1,104 confirmed cases and 259 deaths, translating to a 23.5 percent case fatality rate.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness primarily spread through contact with food or domestic items contaminated by infected rodents. Secondary human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly within clinical settings lacking adequate infection prevention protocols.
Health authorities continue to advise healthcare providers and the general public to adhere to standard preventive hygiene and report suspected cases immediately.
