The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says Lassa fever has killed 253 people across the country between January and August 23, 2026.
Gatekeepers News reports that in its latest Lassa fever situation report for epidemiological week 34, covering August 17 to August 23, the agency said the case fatality rate (CFR) had risen to 24 percent.
The figure represents a significant increase from the 18.7 percent fatality rate recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
According to the NCDC, both suspected and confirmed Lassa fever cases have also increased compared with the same period last year.
The agency reported 21 new confirmed cases during week 34, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed infections in 2026 to 1,056.
“In week 34, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 14 reported in epidemiological week 33 of 2026 to 21. These were reported in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba and Akwa Ibom states,” the report reads.
“Cumulatively, 253 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 24.0%, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2025 (18.7%). In total for 2026, 24 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 118 local government areas.”
Five states account for 87% of cases
The NCDC said five states account for the overwhelming majority of confirmed Lassa fever infections recorded so far this year.
“Eighty-seven percent (87%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from 5 states (Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue), while thirteen percent (13%) were reported from 18 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 87% confirmed cases, Ondo reported 33%, Bauchi 25%, Taraba 13%, Edo 10% and Benue 6%,” the agency said.
The disease control centre identified people aged between 21 and 30 years as the predominant age group affected by the disease.
It added that no new healthcare worker was infected during the reporting week.
The NCDC said the national Lassa fever multisectoral, multi-partner technical working group (TWG) continues to coordinate and support response activities across affected areas.
The agency said it would sustain surveillance and response efforts as Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern in affected states.
