Nigeria has recorded 263 deaths from Lassa fever and 1,115 confirmed infections between January and September 20, 2026, with the disease’s case fatality rate rising significantly compared with the same period last year.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the case fatality rate increased to 23.6 per cent from 18.5 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The figures were contained in the agency’s situation report for epidemiological week 38, covering September 14 to 20, 2026.
The report showed that Nigeria recorded 906 confirmed cases and 168 deaths within the same period in 2025, indicating an increase in both infections and fatalities this year.
The NCDC disclosed that 8,218 suspected cases were reported during the first 38 weeks of 2026, compared with 7,792 cases recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Confirmed infections were reported in 119 local government areas across 24 states, with Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue accounting for approximately 87 per cent of the total confirmed cases.
Ondo State recorded the highest number of infections with 393 cases, followed by Bauchi with 260, Taraba with 133, Edo with 122 and Benue with 61.
During the reporting week, 11 new confirmed cases and four deaths were recorded, while 120 suspected cases were reported.
The weekly confirmed infections declined from 17 cases in epidemiological week 37.
The agency identified people aged between 21 and 30 years as the most affected age group, although confirmed cases involved patients aged between one and 93 years.
It also disclosed that 54 healthcare workers had been infected cumulatively, although no new infection among healthcare workers was reported during the week under review.
The NCDC attributed the rising fatality rate partly to the late presentation of patients at health facilities, warning that delays in seeking medical attention could worsen outcomes for infected persons.
Other challenges identified in the response to the outbreak included the high cost of treatment and clinical management, poor environmental sanitation, inadequate awareness in highly affected communities and infections among healthcare workers.
To contain the spread of the disease, the agency urged state governments to sustain community engagement and public awareness campaigns on Lassa fever prevention throughout the year.
It also called on healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for the disease, ensure prompt referrals and treatment, and strictly observe infection prevention and control measures.
The report further highlighted ongoing response efforts, including 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, the agency added, continued to coordinate response activities across different levels of the health system.
