- The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a renewed uptick in confirmed Lassa fever cases for week 28 of 2026, bringing total confirmed infections to 963.
- A total of 229 deaths have been recorded in 2026 so far, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.8%, significantly higher than the 18.7% recorded during the same period in 2025.
- The disease has affected 23 states and spread across 114 local government areas, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Benue states accounting for over 85% of all confirmed cases.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over a recent surge in Lassa fever cases across the country, with confirmed national infections reaching 963 and the death toll climbing to 229 since the start of 2026.
Eko Hot Blog reports that according to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report released by the health agency on Friday, new weekly confirmed cases rose to 25 in epidemiological week 28, reversing a temporary decline to 14 cases recorded in week 27.
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The report indicated that newly confirmed cases in week 28 were spread across Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Kogi, and Cross River states, signaling sustained community transmission along key regional vectors.
The NCDC noted that the epidemic footprint has expanded to 114 local government areas across 23 states.
However, the burden remains heavily concentrated in five epicenter states, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo, which collectively account for 86 percent of all confirmed cases nationwide.
Demographic data provided by the agency revealed that young adults aged 21 to 30 years remain the primary group affected by the viral hemorrhagic fever.
The agency also confirmed that while no health worker infections were recorded in week 27, one healthcare professional tested positive during week 28, reinforcing the necessity for heightened clinical vigilance.
In response to the rising numbers, the NCDC urged state ministries, hospital administrators, and local public health authorities to intensify epidemiological surveillance, enforce strict Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols, and strengthen community sensitization regarding hygiene and vector management.
