Lassa fever cases climb as NCDC warns of ongoing transmission
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a rise in Lassa fever cases after a brief decline. Confirmed infections have reached 963, with 229 deaths in 2026. The majority of cases are concentrated in a few states, and young adults remain the most affected group. The NCDC is urging increased surveillance and preventive measures to curb further spread.
What we know
- NCDC reported that confirmed Lassa fever cases increased in epidemiological week 28 after a drop in week 27.
- Cumulative confirmed infections reached 963 and deaths hit 229 in 2026, with a case fatality rate of 23.8 percent.
- The majority of cases in week 28 were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Kogi, and Cross River, while week 27 cases were in Ondo, Edo, Benue, Bauchi, and Kogi.
- 23 states have recorded at least one confirmed case, with the number of affected local government areas rising from 113 in week 27 to 114 in week 28.
- People aged 21–30 years are the most affected, and one healthcare worker was infected in week 28.
