The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,086 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 259 deaths across 24 states and 118 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 2026.
According to the NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological week 36, covering August 31 to September 6, 12 new confirmed cases were recorded during the week, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,086.
The new cases were reported in Ondo, Edo and Kogi states.
The agency also reported one additional death during the week, bringing the total number of Lassa fever deaths recorded in 2026 to 259.
The NCDC said the 259 deaths represent a case fatality rate (CFR) of 23.9 per cent, compared with 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
According to the agency, 87 per cent of the confirmed cases recorded in 2026 came from five states: Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue.
Ondo accounted for 34 per cent of the cases, followed by Bauchi with 24 per cent, Taraba with 12 per cent, Edo with 11 per cent and Benue with six per cent.
The agency revealed that the predominant age group affected was people aged between 21 and 30 years, while no new healthcare worker infection was recorded during the reporting week.
Lassa fever remains a recurring public health concern in Nigeria.
The NCDC reported that the country recorded 1,067 confirmed cases across 27 states and 112 LGAs in 2022. In 2023, the agency recorded 1,270 confirmed cases and 227 deaths across 28 states and 124 LGAs.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus and remains endemic in Nigeria.
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