NCDC Records 922 Confirmed Lassa Fever Cases, 221 Deaths
NCDC Reports Rise in Lassa Fever Cases and Fatalities
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 922 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 221 deaths nationwide as of Epidemiological Week 26 of 2026. This represents a significant increase in the disease’s case fatality rate compared to the same period in 2025.
The figures were released in the agency’s recent Lassa Fever Situation Reports for Epidemiological Weeks 24, 25, and 26 on Tuesday. According to these reports, new confirmed cases rose consistently over the three-week period, from 13 cases in Week 24 to 22 in Week 25, and further to 31 cases in Week 26.
Infections have been reported in Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Bauchi states. As of Week 26, the overall case fatality rate stood at 24.0%, compared to 18.7% during the same time last year.
The NCDC noted that at least one confirmed case has emerged in 23 states across 111 Local Government Areas since the start of the year. The majority of the confirmed cases—about 85%—are concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo states, identifying these regions as significant hotspots for Lassa fever.
The agency highlighted that individuals aged 21 to 30 years are currently the most affected demographic.
Breaking down the situation further, the report for Week 24 noted 13 new confirmed cases, unchanged from the previous week, with infections identified in Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Benue, and Bauchi states. The cumulative total for Week 24 reached 868 confirmed cases and 216 deaths, resulting in a 24.9% case fatality rate. Notably, one healthcare worker was reported infected that week.
In Week 25, the number of new cases increased to 22, with the cumulative totals rising to 891 confirmed cases and 219 deaths, yielding a 24.6% case fatality rate. No new infections among healthcare workers were reported during this time.
The following week, Week 26, saw confirmed cases reach 31, pushing the cumulative total to 922 cases and 221 deaths. One healthcare worker was again affected during this reporting week.
The NCDC continues to monitor the situation and has urged the public to adopt preventive measures, such as maintaining proper environmental hygiene, avoiding contact with rodents, and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms like fever, weakness, headache, or bleeding.
Residents are also encouraged to report suspected cases by calling the NCDC’s toll-free emergency line at 6232 and to access verified public health information through the agency’s official communication channels.
