Nigeria has recorded 268 deaths from Lassa fever in 2026, with confirmed infections reaching 1,138 across 24 states, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said.
The agency disclosed this in its latest Lassa fever situation report covering epidemiological weeks 39 and 40, from September 21 to October 4, 2026.
According to the report, the case fatality rate rose to 23.6 per cent, compared with 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, indicating an increase in the proportion of confirmed cases resulting in deaths.
The NCDC said infections had been reported in 119 local government areas across the 24 affected states, with Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo accounting for 88 per cent of confirmed cases during the reporting period.
People aged between 21 and 30 years were identified as the most affected age group.
Despite the high cumulative figures, the agency reported a decline in new infections during the 40th epidemiological week. Three new confirmed cases were recorded between September 28 and October 4, compared with 13 cases in the preceding week.
The three new cases were reported in Bauchi and Benue states.
During week 39, covering September 21 to 27, the country recorded 13 new confirmed cases, up from 11 cases in week 38. The infections were reported in Ondo State, bringing the cumulative figures at the end of that week to 1,134 confirmed cases and 267 deaths.
The NCDC also reported that no new healthcare worker was infected during weeks 39 and 40.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents’ urine or faeces. Transmission can also occur through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, particularly where appropriate infection prevention and control measures are lacking.
To reduce the risk of infection, the agency advised Nigerians to maintain proper environmental sanitation, store food in rodent-proof containers and avoid contact with rats.
The latest figures highlight the continuing public health challenge posed by Lassa fever, particularly in states accounting for the majority of confirmed infections.
