1,074 Confirmed Cases Reported Across 24 States as NCDC Raises Alarm Over Late Presentation, Treatment Costs and Low Community Awareness
By Chioma Vivian James
Nigeria’s battle against Lassa fever has intensified, with the country recording 258 deaths from the disease in the first 35 epidemiological weeks of 2026, while the case fatality rate has climbed to 24 per cent, according to the latest situation report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The figure represents a significant increase from the 18.6 per cent case fatality rate recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, highlighting continuing challenges in the early detection, treatment and prevention of the disease.
The NCDC report showed that 1,074 confirmed Lassa fever cases were recorded across 24 states and 118 Local Government Areas between January and August 30, 2026.
Although the number of newly confirmed cases declined from 21 in epidemiological week 34 to 18 in week 35, health authorities continue to regard the disease as a major public health concern.
The latest confirmed cases were reported in Ondo, Edo and Bauchi States, while five deaths were recorded during the week under review.
The distribution of cases also reveals a concentration of the disease in a handful of states. Five states account for 86 per cent of all confirmed cases, with Ondo recording the highest proportion at 34 per cent, followed by Bauchi with 24 per cent, Taraba 12 per cent, Edo 10 per cent and Benue six per cent.
According to the NCDC, people aged 21 to 30 years remain the most affected age group, underscoring the need for intensified awareness and preventive interventions among young adults and other vulnerable populations.
The agency, however, reported that no new healthcare worker infection was recorded during epidemiological week 35.
Late Presentation Remains a Major Challenge
The rising fatality rate has renewed concerns about delayed presentation of patients to health facilities.
The NCDC identified several factors undermining the national response, including late presentation, poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, inadequate environmental sanitation and low awareness in communities with a high burden of the disease.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness that can become severe and life-threatening, particularly when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Early recognition and prompt access to appropriate care remain important in improving outcomes.
The NCDC therefore urged state governments and relevant stakeholders to sustain year-round community engagement and public health education, rather than limiting awareness activities to periods of heightened transmission.
Healthcare workers were also advised to maintain a high index of suspicion when attending to patients with symptoms consistent with Lassa fever, ensure timely referral and treatment, and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures.
With more than a thousand confirmed cases and hundreds of deaths already recorded in 2026, the latest figures reinforce the need for stronger surveillance, early diagnosis, affordable treatment, community education and sustained preventive measures across affected and at-risk communities.
