NCDC reports 1,138 lassa fever cases, 268 deaths

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,138 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 268 deaths across 24 states, with the case fatality rate standing at 23.6 per cent.

The agency said this in a statement on Monday, citing its Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological weeks 39 and 40, covering Sept. 21 to Oct. 4, 2026.

The report showed that the cumulative case fatality rate of 23.6 per cent was higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

According to the report, 24 states have recorded at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 119 Local Government Areas (LGAs) nationwide.

It stated that Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo accounted for 88 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded during the reporting period.

The NCDC also identified people aged between 21 and 30 years as the predominant age group affected by the disease during the reporting period.

The report further indicated that no new healthcare worker was infected with Lassa fever during epidemiological weeks 39 and 40.

In week 40, covering Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, the country recorded three new confirmed cases, a decrease from the 13 cases reported in week 39.

The three new cases in week 40 were reported in Bauchi and Benue states, according to the situation report.

The cumulative figures for week 40 showed that 1,138 confirmed cases and 268 deaths had been recorded, representing a case fatality rate of 23.6 per cent.

In week 39, covering Sept. 21 to Sept. 27, the NCDC recorded 13 new confirmed cases, compared with 11 cases reported in week 38.

The 13 new cases in week 39 were reported in Ondo State, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 1,134 and deaths to 267.

The case fatality rate for week 39 stood at 23.6 per cent, compared with 18.5 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

The NCDC’s situation report provides updates on confirmed cases, deaths, affected states and LGAs, as well as the distribution of infections among different age groups.

“Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents’ urine or faeces.

“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,” it said. (NAN)