The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 22 cases of Lassa Fever and 191 from the disease deaths this year.
This was contained in the Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 18 published on Thursday.
The NCDC disclosed that in week 18, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 9 in Epi week 17 to 22. These were reported in Ondo, Edo and Plateau States.
“Cumulatively, 191 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 24.6% which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2025 (19.2%).
“In total for 2026, 23 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 106 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 18 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 84% confirmed cases, Bauchi reported 26%, Ondo 26%, Taraba 16%, Edo 9% and Benue 7%”, the agency said.
Furthermore, the predominant age group affected was 21-30 years while the male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases was 1:0.9.
According to the NCDC, “the number of suspected cases decreased while confirmed cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2025.
One new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week 18. National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) activated to support the coordination of response activities at all levels.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, caused by the Lassa virus and transmitted primarily by the Mastomys natalensis rat. It causes approximately 100,000–300,000 infections annually, with symptoms ranging from mild fever to severe, fatal cases.
Early treatment with Ribavirin is effective, and prevention relies on rodent control and hygiene.
