The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 1,138 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 268 deaths across 24 states, resulting in a cumulative case fatality rate of 23.6 per cent. The agency disclosed these figures in a statement released on Monday, based on its Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological weeks 39 and 40, which cover the period from September 21 to October 4, 2026.
The current case fatality rate of 23.6 per cent is notably higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. According to the report, confirmed cases have been identified in 119 Local Government Areas (LGAs) nationwide. Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo states accounted for 88 per cent of all confirmed cases during the reporting period, while individuals aged between 21 and 30 years emerged as the predominant age group affected by the disease.
Weekly data indicates a recent decline in new infections. In week 40, spanning September 28 to October 4, the country recorded three new confirmed cases, a significant decrease from the 13 cases reported in week 39. These three new cases were reported in Bauchi and Benue states. Prior to this, week 39, covering September 21 to September 27, saw 13 new confirmed cases, all located in Ondo State, which brought the cumulative totals at that time to 1,134 cases and 267 deaths.
Despite the high number of community cases, the NCDC reported that no new healthcare workers were infected with Lassa fever during epidemiological weeks 39 and 40. The situation report serves as a key update on the distribution of infections among different age groups, affected states, and LGAs, highlighting the ongoing monitoring efforts by the agency.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents. The disease can also spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, particularly in healthcare settings where appropriate infection prevention and control measures are not observed.
“Members of the public are advised to maintain good environmental sanitation, store food in rodent-proof containers and avoid contact with rats to reduce the risk of infection,” the NCDC stated.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
