Thirty-one people have died from Lassa fever within the first five weeks of 2026, according to the latest report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
In its situation report issued on Monday, the agency disclosed that 754 suspected cases were recorded during the period, out of which 165 were confirmed. Among those affected are nine health workers.
The NCDC stated that as of epidemiological week five, 31 deaths had been reported, representing a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.8 per cent. This figure is slightly lower than the 19.6 per cent CFR recorded during the same period in 2025.
According to the report, nine states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 33 local government areas in 2026.
However, 92 per cent of all confirmed cases were concentrated in five states, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Plateau, while the remaining eight per cent were reported from four other states.
A breakdown of the 92 per cent shows that Bauchi accounted for 47 per cent of confirmed cases, followed by Ondo (18 per cent), Taraba (14 per cent), Edo (eight per cent), and Plateau (five per cent).
The agency noted that individuals aged 21 to 30 years were the most affected, with cases ranging from one to 74 years and a median age of 28. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stands at 1:0.8.
Despite the fatalities, the NCDC said both suspected and confirmed cases recorded so far in 2026 represent a decrease compared to the same period last year.
Currently, 135 patients are receiving treatment at designated centres, while 110 suspected cases are under contact tracing and follow-up.
The agency highlighted ongoing response measures, including a high-level field mission to Bauchi State, activation of the Incident Management System at the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre, laboratory analysis across its network to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment, and advocacy for a dedicated budget line to strengthen prevention and control efforts.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family.
It is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats, commonly found in parts of Nigeria and other West African countries.
