The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says Nigeria recorded 1,086 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 259 deaths across 24 states and 118 council areas in 2026.

The agency said this in a statement on Tuesday, citing findings from its Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological week 36, covering August 31 to September 6, 2026.

According to the report, 12 new confirmed cases were recorded in week 36, down from the 18 cases reported during epidemiological week 35 of 2026 nationwide.

“The new confirmed cases recorded during the reporting week were reported in Ondo, Edo and Kogi states, according to the latest Lassa fever situation report.

“The cumulative figures for week 36 showed that 259 deaths had been recorded among the 1,086 confirmed cases, representing a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.9 per cent.

“The CFR remained higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, according to the latest figures released by the disease control agency,” it said.

The agency said 24 states recorded at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 118 LGAs, indicating that infections had been reported in several parts of Nigeria.

According to the report, 87 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases recorded in 2026 were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states.

“The predominant age group affected by Lassa fever remained people aged between 21 and 30 years, highlighting the continued impact of the disease among young adults,” it said.

The agency also reported that no new healthcare worker was infected during epidemiological week 36, maintaining the number of affected healthcare workers recorded during the reporting period.

It said the latest figures followed the week 35 situation report, which recorded 18 new confirmed cases, down from 21 cases reported during epidemiological week 34 nationwide.

“The 18 confirmed cases recorded in week 35 were reported in Ondo, Edo and Bauchi states, according to the NCDC Lassa Fever Situation Report for the period.

“By the end of epidemiological week 35, Nigeria had recorded 1,074 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 258 deaths, with a Case Fatality Rate of 24.0 per cent. The CFR recorded by the end of week 35 was also higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, according to the NCDC report,” it said.

The statement said that 24 states had recorded at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 118 LGAs by the end of epidemiological week 35.

It said the agency reported that 86 per cent of confirmed Lassa fever cases recorded by week 35 came from Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states.

“The predominant age group affected during epidemiological week 35 was people aged between 21 and 30 years, according to the situation report released by the NCDC. No new healthcare worker was affected by Lassa fever during epidemiological week 35, as surveillance and response activities continued nationwide.

“The increase in cumulative confirmed cases from 1,074 in week 35 to 1,086 in week 36 reflects the additional 12 confirmed cases recorded during the latest reporting period. Similarly, deaths increased from 258 in week 35 to 259 in week 36, while the CFR declined slightly from 24.0 per cent to 23.9 per cent,” it said.

According to the agency, NCDC will continue surveillance activities across affected states, monitoring confirmed cases, deaths and healthcare worker infections as part of the national response effort.

“Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that remains endemic in Nigeria, with cases reported across multiple states and increased surveillance required to support timely detection and response.

“The latest situation report provides updated epidemiological information to guide public health authorities and other stakeholders in monitoring the spread and responding to Lassa fever across affected communities. The concentration of cases in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states also remains a key feature of the 2026 Lassa fever epidemiological situation reported by the NCDC,” it said.

According to the agency, weekly surveillance reports provide information on new confirmed cases, cumulative infections, deaths, geographical distribution and healthcare worker infections to support ongoing control measures.

It urged continued attention to Lassa fever surveillance and response, particularly in states reporting confirmed infections, as authorities monitor the evolving epidemiological situation across affected communities.

“The week 36 report therefore brings the cumulative national figures to 1,086 confirmed cases and 259 deaths, with 24 states and 118 LGAs affected. The continued monitoring of Lassa fever cases and deaths remains important for strengthening early detection, improving response measures and protecting healthcare workers and communities in affected areas,” it said.

(NAN)