By Wakirike Herald 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,115 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 263 deaths across 24 states, highlighting the continued burden of the disease in the country.

The figures were contained in the NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological week 38, covering September 14 to September 20, 2026.

According to the agency, the reported deaths represent a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.6 per cent, higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

The latest figures indicate that Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern, particularly in areas where transmission continues to be reported.

New cases recorded in three states

The NCDC said 11 new confirmed cases were recorded during week 38, a decline from the 17 cases reported in week 37.

The new infections were recorded in Ondo, Edo and Taraba states.

As of the end of the reporting period, 24 states had recorded at least one confirmed case across 119 Local Government Areas.

The agency said five states, namely Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo, accounted for 87 per cent of all confirmed cases.

Young adults remain the most affected

The NCDC reported that people aged 21 to 30 years remained the predominant age group affected by Lassa fever during the period.

The agency also recorded no new infection among healthcare workers in epidemiological week 38.

That development follows the same pattern reported in week 37, when no new healthcare worker infection was recorded.

Cases increased from previous week

At the end of epidemiological week 37, which covered September 7 to September 13, the NCDC had reported 1,104 confirmed cases and 259 deaths, representing a CFR of 23.5 per cent.

Seventeen new confirmed cases were recorded during that week, compared with 12 cases in week 36.

The 17 cases were reported in Ondo and Taraba states, while the same five states of Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo accounted for 88 per cent of confirmed cases at that point.

The number of confirmed cases subsequently rose by 11 in week 38, while four additional deaths were recorded.

How Lassa fever spreads

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 environments where appropriate infection prevention and control measures are not maintained.

The continued concentration of cases in a relatively small number of states makes early detection, surveillance and prompt treatment particularly important.

NCDC urges vigilance and early reporting

The NCDC urged healthcare workers and members of the public to maintain appropriate preventive measures and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.

Early recognition and reporting remain important in helping health authorities investigate suspected infections, trace possible exposure and limit further transmission.

For communities, preventing contact with rodents and protecting food and household items from contamination remain important measures in reducing the risk of infection.

The latest figures also reinforce the need for sustained surveillance, public awareness and strong infection prevention practices, particularly in healthcare facilities.

Wakirike Herald
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