The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says Nigeria has recorded 1,086 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 259 deaths across 24 states and 118 Local Government Areas in 2026.
The agency disclosed this in its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report for epidemiological week 36, covering August 31 to September 6, 2026.
According to the report, Nigeria recorded 12 new confirmed cases during the week, a decline from the 18 cases reported in epidemiological week 35.
The new cases were recorded in Ondo, Edo and Kogi states.
The NCDC said the 259 deaths among the 1,086 confirmed cases represent a case fatality rate of 23.9 per cent, higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The agency noted that 24 states and 118 LGAs have recorded at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever this year.
It added that 87 per cent of the confirmed cases were reported in five states: Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo.
People aged 21 to 30 years remained the most affected age group.
The NCDC also reported that no new healthcare worker was infected during epidemiological week 36.
By the end of week 35, Nigeria had recorded 1,074 confirmed cases and 258 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 24 per cent. The latest figures therefore represent an increase of 12 confirmed cases and one additional death.
The NCDC said it would continue surveillance and response activities across affected states, including monitoring confirmed cases, deaths and infections among healthcare workers.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease that is endemic in Nigeria. The agency urged continued surveillance and timely response to help detect infections early and protect communities and healthcare workers.
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