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 NCDC’s situation report for epidemiological week 38, covering September 14 to 20, 2026.
According to the report, the case fatality rate increased from 18.5 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, highlighting the continued severity of the disease.
However, the number of new infections declined during the week under review, with 11 confirmed cases reported, compared with 17 in the preceding week.
The latest cases were recorded in Ondo, Edo and Taraba states. Overall, infections have been reported across 119 local government areas in 24 states.
Five States Account for 87% of Cases
The NCDC identified Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo as the five states accounting for the majority of confirmed infections.
“87 per cent of all confirmed cases were reported from five states: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo,” the agency stated.
People aged between 21 and 30 remained the most affected age group, according to the report.
The agency also reported that no new healthcare worker infections were recorded during epidemiological week 38.
At the end of week 37, Nigeria had recorded 1,104 confirmed cases and 259 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent.
How Lassa Fever Spreads
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness 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 appropriate infection prevention and control measures are not followed.
The NCDC urged healthcare workers and members of the public to maintain preventive measures and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.