The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 268 deaths from Lassa fever between January and October 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 23.6 per cent from 18.6 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
According to the agency’s latest situation report for epidemiological week 40, covering September 28 to October 4, Nigeria recorded three new confirmed cases, bringing the cumulative total to 1,138.
The new cases were reported in Bauchi and Benue states, representing a decline from the 13 cases recorded in the preceding week.
The NCDC said 24 states had reported at least one confirmed case across 119 local government areas in 2026, adding that suspected and confirmed infections had increased compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
Five states accounted for 88 per cent of confirmed cases, with Ondo recording 36 per cent, Bauchi 23 per cent, Taraba 12 per cent, Edo 11 per cent and Benue six per cent. The remaining 12 per cent were reported across 19 other states.
People aged 21 to 30 were the most affected, although confirmed cases ranged from one to 93 years, with a median age of 30. The report also showed a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.9 among confirmed cases.
No new healthcare worker infection was recorded during week 40.
The agency said the national Lassa fever multisectoral, multi-partner technical working group would continue coordinating and supporting response activities across all levels.
