The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a steady rise in Lassa fever infections, with confirmed cases increasing to 922 and deaths climbing to 221 as of Epidemiological Week 26 of 2026.
According to the agency’s latest Lassa Fever Situation Reports covering Weeks 24 to 26 (June 8–28), the country recorded a gradual increase in weekly infections, although the case fatality rate (CFR) declined slightly from 24.9 per cent in Week 24 to 24.0 per cent by Week 26.
The CFR, however, remains significantly higher than the 18.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.The reports showed that 13 new confirmed cases were recorded in Week 24, the same number reported in Week 23.
The infections were reported in Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Benue and Bauchi states.By the end of Week 24, Nigeria had recorded 868 confirmed cases and 216 deaths, while 23 states had reported at least one confirmed case across 110 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
In Week 25, the number of new confirmed cases rose sharply to 22, with infections reported in Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Bauchi states.
The cumulative figures increased to 891 confirmed cases and 219 deaths, while the number of affected LGAs rose to 111 across the same 23 states.The upward trend continued in Week 26, when the NCDC confirmed 31 new infections, up from 22 recorded the previous week.
The latest figures bring the cumulative total for 2026 to 922 confirmed cases and 221 deaths, with the disease now affecting 111 LGAs in 23 states.
The agency noted that Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states remain the epicentres of the outbreak, accounting for 85 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded this year.Young adults between the ages of 21 and 30 continue to be the most affected age group.
The NCDC also reported that one healthcare worker contracted Lassa fever in Week 24, while no healthcare worker was infected in Week 25. Another healthcare worker was affected during Week 26.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected multimammate rats.
Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention measures are inadequate.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain proper environmental sanitation, store food in rodent-proof containers, avoid contact with rodents and their excreta, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting or unexplained bleeding occur.
The agency said surveillance, laboratory testing, case management and public awareness activities are being intensified in affected states to contain the outbreak and reduce fatalities.