Nigeria has recorded 1,115 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 263 deaths across 24 states, with the case fatality rate rising to 23.6 per cent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The figures were contained in the NCDC’s situation report for epidemiological week 38, covering September 14 to 20, 2026.
The report showed that the case fatality rate increased from 18.5 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, despite a decline in new infections during the week under review.
According to the agency, 11 confirmed cases were reported during the week, compared with 17 cases in the preceding week. The new infections were recorded in Ondo, Edo and Taraba states.
The NCDC said infections had been reported in 24 states across 119 local government areas, with five states accounting for 87 per cent of all confirmed cases.
The states are Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo.
The report identified people aged between 21 and 30 years as the most affected age group. It also indicated that no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the week under review.
By the end of epidemiological week 37, Nigeria had recorded 1,104 confirmed cases and 259 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent. The latest figures represent increases of 11 confirmed cases and four deaths.
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings where adequate infection prevention and control measures are lacking.
The NCDC urged healthcare workers and members of the public to maintain preventive measures and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.