By Ayomide Otitoju
No fewer than 31 people have died from Lassa fever within the first five weeks of 2026, according to the latest data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
In its epidemiological situation report published on Monday, the agency disclosed that 754 suspected cases were recorded during the period, out of which 165 were laboratory-confirmed. Nine health workers were among those affected.
“Cumulatively, as at week five 2026, 31 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.8 per cent, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2025 (19.6 per cent),” the report stated.
The agency noted that nine states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 33 local government areas so far in 2026.
According to the report, 92 per cent of confirmed cases were reported from five states—Bauchi State, Ondo State, Taraba State, Edo State and Plateau State—while the remaining eight per cent were spread across four other states.
A breakdown of the 92 per cent shows that Bauchi accounted for 47 per cent of confirmed cases, followed by Ondo (18 per cent), Taraba (14 per cent), Edo (eight per cent), and Plateau (five per cent).
The NCDC said the most affected age group is 21–30 years, with cases ranging from one to 74 years and a median age of 28 years. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases stands at 1:0.8.
It added that the number of suspected and confirmed cases recorded so far in 2026 represents a decline compared to the same period in 2025.
The agency disclosed that 135 confirmed cases are currently being managed at designated treatment centres, while at least 110 suspected cases are under contact tracing and follow-up.
Highlighting its response measures, the NCDC said it had conducted a high-level field mission to Bauchi State, activated the Incident Management System at the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre, scaled up laboratory sample analysis for prompt diagnosis and treatment, and advocated the creation of a dedicated budget line to support field activities for prevention and control.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family. The disease is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. It is endemic in Nigeria and several other West African countries.
