NCDC reports 1,115 Lassa fever cases and 263 deaths in week-38 update

Nigeria has recorded 1,115 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 263 deaths in the first 38 weeks of 2026, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency’s September 14–20 situation report puts the case fatality rate at 23.6 per cent, compared with 18.5 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025. Confirmed infections were recorded in 119 local government areas across 24 states.

The update recorded 11 new confirmed cases and four deaths during the reporting week. New infections fell from 17 in week 37, with the latest cases reported in Ondo, Edo and Taraba.

Channels Television reported cumulative suspected cases of 8,218, compared with 7,792 at the same point in 2025. It also reported the previous year’s confirmed tally as 906 cases and 168 deaths.

Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo accounted for about 87 per cent of confirmed infections, according to the agency. People aged 21–30 remained the most affected age group.

No new healthcare worker infection was recorded in week 38. Channels reported that the cumulative number of infected healthcare workers stood at 54.

NaijaTrend reported the agency’s earlier week-36 figures here.

The NCDC identified late presentation for treatment, high treatment costs, poor environmental sanitation and low awareness in affected communities as challenges to the response.

Lassa fever is mainly transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. It can also spread between people, particularly where infection-control precautions are inadequate.

The agency urged health workers to recognise suspected cases early, arrange prompt referral and treatment, and maintain infection-prevention measures. It asked states to sustain community prevention campaigns throughout the year.

Sources: Channels TV, Daily Post