Lassa Fever Cases Reach 1,086 as Nigeria Records 259 Deaths

Nigeria’s cumulative Lassa fever cases have reached 1,086, with 259 deaths recorded as of epidemiological week 36, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The figures cover the period from August 31 to September 6 and represent the latest national surveillance update.

Twelve new confirmed infections were recorded during the week, taking the cumulative total from 1,074 cases in week 35 to 1,086 in week 36.

Deaths increased from 258 to 259 during the same period.

The latest case-fatality rate was 23.9 percent, slightly below the 24.0 percent recorded during the previous reporting week.

The rate, however, remains above the 18.6 percent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Confirmed cases have been recorded in 24 states and 118 LGAs.

Five states account for the overwhelming majority of infections. Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue collectively reported 87 percent of confirmed cases.

Ondo accounted for 34 percent, Bauchi 24 percent, Taraba 12 percent, Edo 11 percent and Benue 6 percent.

The death figures are also concentrated in particular states.

Ondo recorded 89 deaths, while Bauchi recorded 36.

New cases during week 36 were reported in Ondo, Edo and Kogi.

The latest data show that the national outbreak remains active, with surveillance continuing across multiple states.

NCDC has previously called for stronger state-level action, particularly in areas experiencing sustained transmission. The agency has also highlighted early diagnosis, appropriate infection prevention measures and timely treatment as important components of the response.

The 2026 figures remain subject to change as new weekly surveillance data are released.

The week 36 report nevertheless provides the latest picture of the national burden, showing more than one thousand confirmed infections and more than 250 recorded deaths so far this year.