The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 922 cases of Lassa fever and 221 related deaths nationwide as of Epidemiological Week 26 of 2026, with the disease’s fatality rate remaining higher than the same period last year.
According to the agency’s latest situation report, confirmed cases increased steadily over the three-week reporting period, rising from 13 cases in Week 24 to 22 in Week 25 and 31 in Week 26. The latest infections were recorded in Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Bauchi states.
The NCDC said 23 states and 111 Local Government Areas have reported confirmed cases this year, with Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo accounting for about 85 per cent of all infections. It also identified people between the ages of 21 and 30 as the most affected group.
The agency urged Nigerians to maintain good environmental hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, seek prompt medical attention if symptoms develop, and report suspected cases through its toll-free emergency line.
