By Julian Osamoto
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, says 259 people have died from Lassa fever in 2026, with confirmed cases rising to 1,086 by the end of epidemiological week 36.
The latest situation report shows that the 23.9 per cent case fatality rate remains higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
A statement released by the NCDC reveals 12 new confirmed cases were recorded between August 31 and September 6, 2026, down from 18 cases reported in the previous epidemiological week.
The new cases were reported in Ondo, Edo and Kogi States.
According to the agency, 24 states have recorded at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 118 Local Government Areas this year.
It notes that five states; Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue, account for 87 per cent of all confirmed cases.
The statement also reports that the predominant age group affected remains people within the ages 21 to 30 years.
The NCDC said no new healthcare worker was affected during the reporting week.
Meanwhile, it says in the previous epidemiological week 35, the agency reported 18 new confirmed cases and 258 deaths from a cumulative 1,074 confirmed cases. The case fatality rate at the time was 24 per cent.
The agency said late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour linked to the cost of treatment, poor environmental sanitation and low awareness in high-burden communities remain among the challenges affecting the response.
It recommends stronger year-round community engagement on Lassa fever prevention and urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, ensure timely referral and treatment, and adhere to infection prevention and control measures.
The NCDC also said it would continue working with states and partners to strengthen capacity to prevent, detect and respond to Lassa fever outbreaks.
