1,138 Lassa fever cases, 268 deaths recorded in 2026: NCDC
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it recorded 268 deaths and 1,138 cases of Lassa fever in 2026.
The NCDC made the disclosure on its dashboard in its week 40 report on the disease.
“Cumulatively, 268 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.6% which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2025 (18.6%),” NCDC said.
It added, “In total for 2026, 24 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 119 Local Government Areas.”
According to the NCDC, eighty-eight percent (88%) of confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from five states (Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue) while twelve percent (12%) were reported from 19 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.
It noted, “Of the 88% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 36%, Bauchi 23%, Taraba 12%, Edo 11% and Benue 6%.”
The NCDC stated that the number of suspected and confirmed cases increased compared to what was reported in the same period in 2025.
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