The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it has confirmed 74 new cases of Lassa Fever in its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report.
According to the agency, the report published on Friday, was for Epi Week 6 (2nd–8th February 2026).
This brings the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 240, recorded across 10 states. 51 deaths were reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 21.3% which is higher than the CFR of 19.4% for the same period in 2025.
The NCDC however said National multi-sectoral response remained activated in high-burden states like Bauchi, Taraba, Ondo, and Edo which accounts for 89% of confirmed cases.
The agency therefore urged Nigerians to maintain environmental hygiene, store food properly, prevent rodent infestation, and seek early medical care for persistent fever.
“In total for 2026, 10 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 42 Local Government Areas. Eighty-nine (89%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from 4 states (Bauchi,Taraba, Ondo, and Edo) while eleven (11%) were reported from 6 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.
“Of the 89% confirmed cases, Bauchi reported 38%, Taraba 22%, Ondo20% and Edo 9%. The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years.The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.7.
“The number of suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared to that reported for the same period in 2025. Two new healthcare workers were affected in the reporting week 6”, NCDC said.
The agency lamented that late presentation of cases was leading to an increase in CFR. Additionally, poor health- seeking behaviour due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of Lassa fever, Poor environmental sanitation conditions were observed in high-burden communities.
Also, poor awareness was observed in high-burden communities and there was increasing healthcare workers infection
NCDC therefore recommended that states bolster efforts all-year-round for community engagements on prevention of Lassa fever.
Healthcare Workers should also maintain high suspicion for Lassa fever and initiate timely referral and treatment, and adhere to standard infection prevention and control procedures.
