The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for week 3 (12th-18th January 2026) showed the nation recorded 39 confirmed cases and 17 deaths from Lassa Fever.
According to the report made available to the media on Wednesday, the total number of confirmed cases increased from 33 in week 2 of this year (2026) to 39.
TheFact Daily gathered that Lassa Fever cases in the country were undereported due to stigma and misdiagnosis.
“The cases were reported in Bauchi, Plateau, Ebonyi, Benue, Ondo, Taraba, Nasarawa and Edo state.
“Cumulative for week 3 (2026) total: 39 confirmed cases, 17 deaths, CFR 18.1% (marginally lower than same period in 2025; 18.2%)”, NCDC said.
The agency further disclosed that 9 states had recorded at least one confirmed case across 28 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
It informed that 89% of confirmed cases were from Ondo, Taraba, Bauchi, and Edo State.The predominant age group affected is 21- 30 years.
Sadly, four (4) healthcare workers were affected in the reporting Week 3.
Lassa fever is an acute, often fatal viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, caused by the Lassa virus and transmitted primarily by the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis).
Humans contract the virus through contact with infected rodent urine, feces, or blood (directly or via contaminated food). It also spreads person-to-person through bodily fluids, particularly in hospitals with poor infection control.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. In severe, fatal cases (1–15% of cases), patients may experience hemorrhaging, facial swelling, and shock.
The main prevention method is keeping rodents out of homes and food storage.
Lassa fever is most prevalent in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, with cases peaking during the dry season.
