Nigeria Reports 1,035 Lassa Fever Cases in 2026

In 2026, Nigeria recorded 1,035 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 252 deaths, according to the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for epidemiological week 33, covering August 10 to 16. The predominant age group affected is individuals aged 21 to 30 years.

The report indicates that cases were reported across 23 states and 117 local government areas, with a median age of 30 years among those infected. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases was approximately 1:0.9.

There was a notable increase in new confirmed cases from four in week 32 to 14 in week 33, with two deaths reported during that week. Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue states accounted for 87% of all confirmed cases.

The NCDC identified late presentation of cases, high treatment costs, poor environmental sanitation, and healthcare worker infections as significant challenges in managing the outbreak.