By Happy Bayo
National News – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a fresh increase in confirmed Lassa fever infections after a brief decline, with the total number of confirmed cases in 2026 climbing to 963 and the death toll reaching 229.
According to the agency’s latest epidemiological report, confirmed cases fell from 31 in epidemiological week 26 to 14 in week 27 before rising again to 25 cases in week 28, indicating continued transmission of the viral disease across affected states.
The latest infections were recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Kogi and Cross River states, while week 27 cases were reported in Ondo, Edo, Benue, Bauchi and Kogi.
The NCDC said the cumulative case fatality rate now stands at 23.8 per cent, significantly higher than the 18.7 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The agency noted that by the end of week 27, Nigeria had recorded 936 confirmed cases and 224 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 23.9 per cent, compared to 18.9 per cent during the same period last year.
The report further revealed that 23 states have recorded at least one confirmed Lassa fever case this year, with the disease spreading across 114 local government areas, up from 113 LGAs in the previous reporting week.
According to the NCDC, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states remain the worst-hit, accounting for about 86 per cent of all confirmed cases in week 28.
The agency also disclosed that people between the ages of 21 and 30 remain the most affected demographic, underscoring the disease’s continued impact on young adults.
While no healthcare worker was infected during week 27, the report confirmed that one healthcare worker contracted the disease in week 28.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by maintaining good hygiene, eliminating rodents from homes, reporting suspected cases early and adhering to infection prevention and control measures.
Health authorities also stressed the need for sustained surveillance, prompt diagnosis, timely treatment and increased public awareness to curb the spread of the disease and reduce fatalities.
