NCDC reports 1,086 Lassa fever cases and 259 deaths

Nigeria has recorded 1,086 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 259 deaths across 24 states and 118 local government areas in 2026, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency gave the figures in its situation report for epidemiological week 36, covering August 31 to September 6. It said 12 new confirmed cases were recorded that week, down from 18 cases in week 35.

Punch reported the NCDC figures as 1,086 confirmed cases and 259 deaths. Vanguard reported 258 deaths and a case fatality rate of 24 per cent, citing the same surveillance update. Because the death tally differs by one between the reports, NaijaTrend is using the NCDC figure reported by Punch in the headline and noting the discrepancy in the body.

The update follows an earlier rise in Lassa fever deaths reported by NaijaTrend here. The NCDC said most confirmed cases were concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba and Ebonyi states. It also said the disease had spread across 118 local government areas so far this year.

Lassa fever is spread mainly through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, and can also spread from person to person through body fluids. Health authorities usually urge early treatment, environmental sanitation and safe food storage during outbreaks.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard