The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 1,115 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 263 deaths across 24 states.
The NCDC, in a statement on Thursday, October 8, 2026, said the figures, contained in the Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological week 38, covering September 14 to September 20, represent a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.6 per cent
It said the CFR remained higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, indicating continued concern over the disease burden.
The agency disclosed that 11 new confirmed cases were recorded in epidemiological week 38, representing a decline from the 17 cases reported in week 37.
The new cases in week 38 were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Taraba states.
The NCDC said 24 states had recorded at least one confirmed case across 119 Local Government Areas as of the reporting period.
The NCDC added that 87 per cent of all confirmed cases were reported from five states – Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo.
“The predominant age group affected by Lassa fever remained people aged between 21 and 30 years,” it said.
The NCDC added that no new healthcare worker was affected by the disease during epidemiological week 38.
The NCDC recorded 1,104 confirmed cases and 259 deaths by the end of epidemiological week 37, representing a CFR of 23.5 per cent.
It said in week 37, which covered September 7 to September 13, 2026, 17 new confirmed cases were reported, an increase from the 12 cases recorded in week 36.
Lassa fever death toll rises to 252
The agency stated: “The 17 cases in week 37 were reported in Ondo and Taraba states.
“At the end of week 37, 24 states had recorded at least one confirmed case across 119 LGAs.
“The five states of Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo accounted for 88 per cent of confirmed cases recorded by week 37.”
The NCDC said the predominant age group affected during the period remained 21 to 30 years.
“No new healthcare worker was reported to have contracted Lassa fever during epidemiological week 37,” it said.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that can be transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.
The disease can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control measures are inadequate.
The NCDC, however, urged healthcare workers and the public to maintain appropriate preventive measures and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.
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