Nigeria has recorded 263 deaths from Lassa fever and 1,115 confirmed cases between January and September 20, 2026, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The figures were contained in the agency’s situation report for September 14–20, which showed that the case fatality rate (CFR) had risen to 23.6 per cent, compared with 18.5 per cent during the same period in 2025. During the corresponding period last year, Nigeria recorded 906 confirmed infections and 168 deaths.
The NCDC said the increase in the fatality rate remained a major concern, with late presentation of patients identified as one of the factors contributing to the number of deaths.
“Cumulatively, 263 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.6%, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2025 (18.5%),” the report stated.
The agency recorded 8,218 suspected cases during the first 38 weeks of 2026, compared with 7,792 in the corresponding period of 2025. Confirmed infections were reported across 119 local government areas in 24 states.
Five States Account for Most Cases
Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue accounted for approximately 87 per cent of the confirmed infections recorded during the period. Ondo reported the highest number, with 393 confirmed cases, followed by Bauchi with 260, Taraba with 133, Edo with 122 and Benue with 61.
During epidemiological week 38, the NCDC recorded 11 new confirmed cases and four deaths. The number of suspected cases stood at 120, while weekly confirmed infections declined from 17 in the previous week.
People aged 21 to 30 were the most affected group, although confirmed cases ranged from patients as young as one year to those aged 93. No new infection among healthcare workers was reported during week 38. However, the cumulative number of healthcare workers affected by the disease reached 54.
NCDC Urges Early Treatment and Stronger Prevention
The NCDC identified several challenges affecting the national response, including the high cost of treatment, poor environmental sanitation, limited awareness in heavily affected communities and infections among healthcare workers.
It also highlighted delayed hospital presentation as a major factor contributing to the rising case fatality rate. The agency urged state governments to sustain community education on Lassa fever prevention throughout the year.
It also called on healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, refer suspected cases promptly, begin treatment without unnecessary delays and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control procedures. According to the report, response efforts included active case searches, contact tracing, training for frontline healthcare workers, distribution of protective equipment and continued laboratory testing.
The national Lassa fever technical working group also continued to coordinate response activities across different levels of the health system. The latest figures highlight the continuing public health burden of Lassa fever in Nigeria and the importance of early diagnosis, timely treatment and sustained prevention efforts.
