ABUJA — Nigeria has recorded 268 deaths from Lassa fever in 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 23.6 per cent from 18.6 per cent during the corresponding period in 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported.
The figures highlight the continuing public health challenge posed by the disease, despite a decline in newly confirmed infections during the latest reporting week.
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report, Nigeria recorded 1,138 confirmed cases between epidemiological weeks one and 40, covering January 1 to October 4, 2026.
The figure represents an increase from the 924 confirmed cases recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. Deaths also rose from 172 last year to 268 this year, raising concerns about the challenges of prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Although new infections declined during the latest reporting week, the rising cumulative death toll underscores the need to strengthen surveillance, public awareness and access to timely medical care.
During epidemiological week 40, covering September 28 to October 4, the country recorded three new confirmed cases, down from 13 reported in the preceding week.
The new infections were recorded in Bauchi and Benue states. One death was reported among the three confirmed cases, resulting in a weekly case fatality rate of 33.3 per cent.
The NCDC attributed the persistently high fatality rate partly to late presentation at health facilities, the high cost of treatment and poor health-seeking behaviour in affected communities.
The agency has consistently stressed the importance of early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention in improving the chances of survival among infected persons.
The report indicated that 24 states had recorded at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 119 local government areas as of epidemiological week 40.
However, five states — Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue — accounted for 88 per cent of the 1,138 confirmed cases recorded nationwide in 2026.
Ondo State accounted for the largest proportion, with 36 per cent of confirmed infections, followed by Bauchi with 23 per cent.
Taraba contributed 12 per cent, while Edo and Benue accounted for 11 per cent and six per cent, respectively.
The remaining 12 per cent of cases were reported across 19 other states, indicating that the disease continues to affect communities beyond the five most affected states.
The concentration of infections in these states highlights the importance of intensifying disease surveillance, public education and access to treatment in areas with high transmission.
It also underscores the need for sustained collaboration among state health authorities, healthcare facilities and community leaders to ensure early identification of suspected cases and prevent further spread.
The report identified people aged between 21 and 30 years as the most affected age group, although confirmed infections occurred among individuals aged between one and 93 years.
The figures indicate that while young adults account for a significant proportion of infections, Lassa fever remains a threat across all age groups.
Meanwhile, no new Lassa fever infection was recorded among healthcare workers during epidemiological week 40. However, the cumulative number of healthcare workers infected in 2026 stood at 54.
The figure highlights the occupational risks faced by medical personnel involved in diagnosing and treating infected patients, particularly where infection prevention and control measures are inadequate.
The development reinforces the need for strict adherence to infection prevention protocols, appropriate protective equipment and continued training for healthcare workers handling suspected or confirmed cases.
