Thirty-one people have died from Lassa fever within five weeks, according to the latest data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
In its situation report released on Monday, the agency disclosed that over 754 suspected cases were recorded, out of which 165 were confirmed.
Among those affected were nine health workers.
“Cumulatively, as of Week Five, 2026, 31 deaths have been reported, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.8 per cent, which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2025 (19.6 per cent).
“In total for 2026, nine states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 33 local government areas,” the report stated.
“Ninety-two per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from five states — Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Plateau — while eight per cent were reported from four other states with confirmed cases.
“Of the 92 per cent of confirmed cases, Bauchi accounted for 47 per cent, Ondo 18 per cent, Taraba 14 per cent, Edo eight per cent, and Plateau five per cent.
“The predominant age group affected is 21–30 years (range: 1 to 74 years; median age: 28 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.
“The number of suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared to that reported for the same period in 2025,” it added.
According to the agency, 135 cases are currently being managed at treatment centres, with at least 110 suspected cases undergoing contact tracing and follow-up.
The NCDC also highlighted its response efforts, stating that it had conducted a high-level field mission to Bauchi State; activated the Incident Management System of the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre; analysed samples across its laboratory network to guide prompt diagnosis and treatment; and advocated for a dedicated budget line to support field activities for Lassa fever prevention and control.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family.
It is an animal-borne acute viral illness spread by the common African rat, also known as the Mastomys rat species.
The disease is endemic in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.
Humans typically become infected through exposure to food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats.
