The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an increase in confirmed Lassa fever cases across the country, with 31 new infections recorded during epidemiological week 26 of 2026, up from 22 cases reported the previous week.
According to the latest Lassa fever situation report released on Friday, the new confirmed cases were identified in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, and Benue states.
The agency also disclosed that 221 people have died from the disease so far in 2026, bringing the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) to 24.0 percent, significantly higher than the 18.7 percent CFR recorded during the same period in 2025.
The report further revealed that 23 states across Nigeria have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever this year, highlighting the continued spread of the viral disease.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, store food safely to prevent contamination by rodents, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding occur.
Health authorities continue to intensify surveillance, case management, and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the disease.
