Lassa Fever: NCDC Records 259 Deaths, 1,086 Confirmed Cases In 2026

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 259 deaths from Lassa fever in Nigeria since the beginning of 2026, with 1,086 confirmed cases recorded as of epidemiological week 36.

The latest Lassa fever situation report, covering August 31 to September 6, showed a decline in weekly confirmed infections, with 12 cases recorded compared with 18 cases reported in the preceding week.

The newly confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo, Edo and Kogi states, according to the report.

Despite the decline in weekly infections, the cumulative case fatality rate (CFR) rose to 23.9 per cent, compared with 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

The NCDC said 24 states across the country had reported at least one confirmed Lassa fever case, with infections recorded in 118 local government areas.

The agency identified Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo as the five states accounting for 87 per cent of the total confirmed cases reported so far in 2026.

The latest figures highlight the continued public health burden posed by Lassa fever, particularly in states that have consistently recorded higher numbers of infections.

However, the NCDC reported that no new Lassa fever infection was recorded among healthcare workers during the week under review.

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, while person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings where adequate infection prevention measures are not observed.

The NCDC has continued to monitor the outbreak and coordinate response activities with state health authorities and other relevant stakeholders across affected states.

The agency’s latest report also underscores the need for continued surveillance, early detection and prompt treatment of suspected cases to reduce deaths associated with the disease.