Nigeria records 1,115 Lassa fever cases, 263 deaths — NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 1,115 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 263 deaths across 24 states in 2026.

According to Peoples Gazette, the NCDC disclosed the figures in its epidemiological week 38 situation report covering September 14 to September 20.

The agency said the figures represented a case fatality rate of 23.6 per cent, higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Eleven new confirmed cases were recorded in week 38, down from 17 in the previous week, with the latest infections reported in Ondo, Edo and Taraba states.

The NCDC said 87 per cent of confirmed cases came from Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states.

“The predominant age group affected by Lassa fever remained people aged between 21 and 30 years,” it said.

No new healthcare worker was infected during the reporting week. Lassa fever can spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.