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Nigeria has recorded 259 deaths due to Lassa fever since the start of 2026, with 1,086 confirmed cases reported in 24 states and 118 local government areas.
The latest data was disclosed by the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention in its Lassa fever situation report for epidemiological week 36, covering the period from August 31 to September 6, 2026.
According to the report, the 259 deaths represent a mortality rate of 23.9%, significantly higher than the 18.6% recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. The data has renewed concerns about the ongoing impact of the disease and the challenges associated with early diagnosis and treatment.
The cumulative number of confirmed cases increased from 1,074 in epidemiological week 35 to 1,086 in week 36. Although new confirmed infections decreased from 18 in week 35 to 12 in the latest reporting week, the number of deaths increased by one.
Five states account for the majority of cases
The NCDC said five states – Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo – accounted for 87% of all confirmed Lassa fever cases recorded in Nigeria during the year.
The 12 confirmed cases in week 36 were reported in Ondo, Edo and Kogi states. According to the agency, no new infections were recorded among healthcare workers during the week.
The NCDC has identified late presentation of patients as a major factor contributing to the high mortality rate. It also cited inadequate health-seeking behavior linked to the high costs of treatment and clinical management of the disease.
Other challenges highlighted by the agency include poor environmental sanitation, inadequate awareness in communities with a high disease burden, and infections among healthcare workers.
Protection of healthcare workers
In response to the situation, the NCDC said it has developed a 30-day health worker protection plan to reduce infections among frontline health workers in affected states.
The agency said it provided technical support to investigate and mitigate health worker infections, while also providing personal protective equipment to health facilities.
He further revealed that infection prevention and control programs had been strengthened in Akwa Ibom, Bauchi and Lagos states. Capacity building sessions were also conducted for infection prevention and control focal persons in Lassa fever facilities in Ebonyi and Ondo.
The NCDC said national rapid response teams were deployed in seven high-burden states, while active case searches and contact tracing continued in collaboration with partners.
The agency urged States to strengthen year-round community engagement on Lassa fever prevention and advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly refer suspected cases for treatment, and adhere to standard infection prevention and control procedures.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus. It is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of infected rats, and can also spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids.
The NCDC emphasized that early diagnosis and timely treatment are key to improving the survival of infected patients.
