Nigeria has recorded 1,115 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 263 deaths across 24 states, with the case fatality rate rising to 23.6 per cent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The figures were contained in the agency’s situation report for epidemiological week 38, covering September 14 to 20, 2026.
The NCDC said the fatality rate was higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, despite a decline in new infections.
According to the report, 11 confirmed cases were recorded during the week under review, down from 17 cases in the preceding week.
The latest infections were reported in Ondo, Edo and Taraba states, while 24 states had recorded cases across 119 local government areas.
The agency disclosed that five states accounted for 87 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded during the period.
“Eighty-seven per cent of all confirmed cases were reported from five states: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo,” the report stated.
It identified people aged between 21 and 30 years as the most affected age group, highlighting the continued impact of the disease on young adults.
The report also noted that no new healthcare worker was infected during the week under review.
By the end of epidemiological week 37, Nigeria had recorded 1,104 confirmed cases and 259 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent.
The latest figures represent an increase of 11 confirmed cases and four deaths compared with the previous reporting period.
Lassa fever is an acute viral disease primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.
Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings where adequate infection prevention and control measures are not observed.
The NCDC urged healthcare workers and members of the public to maintain preventive measures and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities to support early detection and treatment.
Clarify the reporting-period comparisonTighten the epidemiological figures
