The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported sustained Lassa fever activity across 22 states and 109 local government areas between May 25 and June 7, 2026.
According to the agency’s situation report for epidemiological weeks 22 and 23, 263 new suspected cases were recorded during this period.
Week 22 recorded 125 suspected cases, 13 confirmed cases, and 2 deaths across Ondo and Edo states.
Week 23 recorded 138 suspected cases, 13 confirmed cases, and 4 deaths across Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, and Ebonyi states.
The NCDC stated that, cumulatively, 214 deaths have been reported in 2026, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 25%.
This is higher than the 18.9% CFR recorded during the same period in 2025.
Eighty-four percent of all confirmed cases were reported from five states: Ondo (28%), Bauchi (25%), Taraba (15%), Edo (10%), and Benue (6%). The remaining 16% were recorded across 18 other states.
The predominant age group affected is 21–30 years, with a median age of 30 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.9. No new healthcare worker infections were reported during this period.
The agency noted that the number of suspected and confirmed cases has increased compared to the same period in 2025.
The National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System remains activated to coordinate response activities.
These response activities included a review of the National Case Management Guidelines with World Health Organization (WHO) support, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training for health workers in Ondo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, and Lagos states, sensitization of farmers and market women in Ondo, and the prepositioning of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in health facilities.
The NCDC also deployed National Rapid Response Teams to seven high-burden states and held a national press briefing.
Challenges identified include the late presentation of cases leading to an increased CFR, poor health-seeking behavior due to the cost of treatment, poor environmental sanitation, low awareness in high-burden communities, and healthcare worker infections.
The NCDC urged states to bolster year-round community engagement and advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and strictly adhere to infection prevention procedures.
The agency added that it will continue strengthening state capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to Lassa fever.