Nigeria has recorded a steady rise in Lassa fever cases and deaths in the first weeks of 2026, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
In its latest situation report, the NCDC said Lassa fever activity increased steadily between epidemiological weeks 1 and 3 of 2026, with rising numbers of suspected and confirmed cases, as well as additional fatalities.
Data from the report showed that in Week 1 of 2026, Nigeria recorded 104 suspected cases, of which 21 were confirmed, along with nine deaths.
By Week 2, the number of confirmed cases rose to 33, while suspected cases increased to 144.
The upward trend continued in Week 3, with 157 new suspected cases reported nationwide. During the same week, 39 new confirmed cases were recorded, alongside six additional deaths.
The NCDC said the increase from 33 confirmed cases in epidemiological Week 2 to 39 in Week 3 reflects intensifying Lassa fever activity across several states.
Confirmed cases during the period were reported in Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Benue and Nasarawa states.
Cumulatively, as of Week 3 of 2026, Nigeria has recorded 17 deaths from Lassa fever, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.1 per cent.
