Nigeria has recorded 1,086 confirmed Lassa fever infections and 259 deaths in 2026, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said.
The cases were reported across 24 states and 118 Local Government Areas, according to the agency’s latest Lassa Fever Situation Report covering epidemiological week 36, from August 31 to September 6, 2026.
The NCDC said 12 additional confirmed cases were recorded within the week, bringing the national total to 1,086. The figure represents a decline from the 18 cases reported in the previous week.
“The new confirmed cases recorded during the reporting week were reported in Ondo, Edo and Kogi states, according to the latest Lassa fever situation report.
“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,” it said.
Five states — Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo — accounted for the majority of the infections, contributing 87 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded so far this year.
The NCDC also identified people between the ages of 21 and 30 as the age group most affected by the disease.
“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,” it said.
Despite the rise in the overall number of infections, the agency reported no fresh case among healthcare workers during the latest reporting week.
The latest development follows the 18 confirmed cases recorded during week 35, when the national tally stood at 1,074 cases and 258 deaths.
“The 18 confirmed cases recorded in week 35 were reported in Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states, according to the NCDC Lassa Fever Situation Report for the period.
“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,” it said.
At the end of week 35, confirmed infections had been reported in 24 states and 118 LGAs, while Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo accounted for 86 per cent of the cases.
“The predominant age group affected during epidemiological week 35 was people aged between 21 and 30 years, according to the situation report released by the NCDC.
“No new healthcare worker was affected by Lassa fever during epidemiological week 35, as surveillance and response activities continued nationwide.
“The increase in cumulative confirmed cases from 1,074 in week 35 to 1,086 in week 36 reflects the additional 12 confirmed cases recorded during the latest reporting period.
“Similarly, deaths increased from 258 in week 35 to 259 in week 36, while the CFR declined slightly from 24.0 per cent to 23.9 per cent,” it said.
The disease control agency said surveillance and response operations would continue in affected states, with authorities monitoring new infections, fatalities and possible cases among healthcare workers.
“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 latest situation report provides updated epidemiological information to guide public health authorities and other stakeholders in monitoring the spread and responding to Lassa fever across affected communities.
“The concentration of cases in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states also remains a key feature of the 2026 Lassa fever epidemiological situation reported by the NCDC,” it said.
The NCDC urged continued vigilance and sustained surveillance, particularly in states where confirmed infections have been recorded.
“The week 36 report therefore 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,” it said.