The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded a drop in the number of new Lassa Fever infections.
In its latest situation report published on Wednesday, the agency noted that, “in week 14, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 26 in Epi week 13 to 22”. These were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Ebonyi and Kogi States.
Cumulatively, 170 deaths had been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 24.8% which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2025 (18.8%).
“In total for 2026, 22 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 94 Local Government Areas. Eighty-four (84%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from 5 states (Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and Benue) while (16%) sixteen were reported from 17 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases”, the agency said.
Of the 84% confirmed cases, Bauchi reported 27%, Ondo 22%, Taraba 18%, Edo 9% and Benue 8%. The predominant age group affected was 21-30 years while the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases was 1:0.9.
“The number of suspected cases decreased while confirmed cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2025. One new healthcare workers were affected in the reporting week 14.• National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) activated to support the coordination of response activities at all levels”, NCDC said.
The agency however warned that late presentation of cases was leading to an increase in Case Fatality Rate. Furthermore, poor health-seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of Lassa fever was fueling infections too.
They also stated that poor environmental sanitation conditions and poor awareness of the disease was observed in high-burden communities.
The NCDC therefore urged states to bolster efforts all-year-round for community engagements on prevention of Lassa fever. Healthcare Workers were asked to Maintain high suspicion for Lassa fever and initiate timely referral and treatment, and adhere to standard infection prevention and control procedures.
