OMM Redaksiyası
Nigeria has recorded 268 deaths from Lassa fever in 2026, with 1,138 confirmed cases across 24 states and 119 local government areas, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said on Tuesday.
The figures appear in the NCDC’s latest situation report, covering Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, epidemiological week 40. The case fatality rate was 23.6%, compared with 18.6% over the corresponding period in 2025.
Confirmed cases rose from 924 in the same period last year to 1,138 in 2026, while deaths increased from 172 to 268. Nigeria recorded 8,414 suspected cases in the first 40 weeks of 2026, up from 8,041 during the corresponding period a year earlier.
Five states account for most confirmed cases
New confirmed cases fell to three in week 40, from 13 the previous week. The latest cases were reported in Bauchi and Benue states, and one death was recorded during the week.
Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue accounted for 88% of confirmed cases in 2026. Ondo had the largest share, at 36%, followed by Bauchi with 23%, Taraba with 12%, Edo with 11% and Benue with 6%, the NCDC said.
The agency attributed the high fatality rate in part to patients arriving late at health facilities, high treatment costs and poor health-seeking behaviour in affected communities.
Agency advises measures to reduce rodent contact
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness primarily spread to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. It can also pass between people through contact with infected bodily fluids, particularly in healthcare settings without adequate infection-prevention measures.
The NCDC urged residents to keep their surroundings clean, store food in covered containers and dispose of waste properly to limit contact with rodents. It also advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness or headache to seek medical attention promptly.
