The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that 31 people have died from Lassa fever in just five weeks, raising fresh concerns over the spread of the viral disease.
In its latest Lassa fever situation report, the agency disclosed that 754 suspected cases were recorded nationwide. Of these, 165 were laboratory-confirmed, while nine health workers were among those infected.
According to the NCDC, nine states have reported at least one confirmed case across 33 local government areas in 2026.
However, 92 per cent of all confirmed infections were concentrated in five states — Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and Plateau.
Bauchi recorded the highest burden with 47 per cent of confirmed cases, followed by Ondo (18%), Taraba (14%), Edo (8%) and Plateau (5%). The remaining eight per cent of cases were spread across four other states.
The report revealed that people aged 21 to 30 years are the most affected group. The median age of confirmed cases is 28 years, with patients ranging from one to 74 years old.
The male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8, indicating slightly more male infections than female.
Despite the fatalities, the NCDC noted that both suspected and confirmed cases are lower compared to the same period in 2025.
Currently, 135 patients are receiving care at designated treatment centres. At least 110 suspected cases are under active contact tracing and follow-up.
The NCDC said it has activated the Incident Management System at the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre. It also conducted a high-level field mission to Bauchi State and expanded laboratory testing across its network to ensure prompt diagnosis.
The agency added that it is advocating for a dedicated budget line to strengthen Lassa fever prevention and control efforts.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family. The disease is endemic in Nigeria and several West African countries.
It is primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats — commonly known as the African rat.
Public health experts continue to urge Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, store food safely and seek medical care early when symptoms appear.
