The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says 31 people have died from Lassa fever within the first five weeks of the year.
In its latest Lassa fever situation report, the agency disclosed that more than 754 suspected cases were recorded during the period, with 165 confirmed infections. It added that nine healthcare workers were among those affected.
“In total for 2026, nine states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 33 local government areas,” the report reads.
“Ninety-two (92%) of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from 5 states (Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and Plateau) while eight (8%) were reported from 4 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 92% confirmed cases, Bauchi reported 47%, Ondo 18%, Taraba 14%, Edo 8% and Plateau 5%.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 74 years, Median Age: 28 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8 (Figure 4).
“The number of suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared to that reported for the same period in 2025.”
The agency said 135 confirmed cases are currently receiving care at designated treatment centres, while at least 110 suspected cases are under contact tracing and close monitoring.
Highlighting its response measures, the NCDC stated that it had undertaken a “high-level field mission to Bauchi State; activated the Incident Management System of the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre; analysed samples across the laboratory network to guide prompt diagnosis and treatment; and advocated for a budget line to support field activities for Lassa fever prevention and control”.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, which belongs to the arenavirus family. The illness is primarily transmitted by the common African rat, known as the mastomys species, and remains endemic in Nigeria and several other West African countries.
People typically contract the virus through contact with food, household items or surfaces contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected mastomys rats.