The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 165 cases of Lassa fever and 31 deaths within the first five weeks of 2026, according to its latest epidemiological situation report.
The agency disclosed that out of 754 suspected cases recorded nationwide, 165 were laboratory-confirmed. Nine health workers were among those infected.
Cumulatively, as of epidemiological week five, the 31 fatalities represent a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.8 percent — slightly lower than the 19.6 percent CFR recorded during the same period in 2025.
Spread Across States
Nine states have reported at least one confirmed case across 33 local government areas. However, 92 percent of all confirmed infections were concentrated in five states:
- Bauchi – 47%
- Ondo – 18%
- Taraba – 14%
- Edo – 8%
- Plateau – 5%
The remaining eight percent of cases were reported across four other states.
Demographics
The most affected age group is 21–30 years, with cases ranging from ages one to 74 and a median age of 28 years. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stands at 1:0.8.
The NCDC noted that both suspected and confirmed cases have decreased compared to figures recorded during the same period in 2025.
Ongoing Response Efforts
According to the agency, 135 patients are currently receiving treatment at designated centres, while at least 110 suspected cases are under contact tracing and follow-up monitoring.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC said it has:
- Conducted a high-level field mission to Bauchi State
- Activated the Incident Management System of the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre
- Strengthened laboratory diagnosis across its network
- Advocated for a dedicated budget line to support prevention and control efforts
About Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family. The disease is primarily transmitted through exposure to food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats — commonly referred to as the African rat.
The disease remains endemic in Nigeria and several West African countries, with seasonal spikes typically recorded during the dry season.
