By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a fresh rise in Lassa fever cases in epidemiological week 28 of 2026 after a decline in week 27. The agency announced the update on Friday, revealing that Nigeria recorded 963 confirmed infections and 229 deaths across 114 local government areas in 23 states. The increase followed a jump in new confirmed cases from 14 in week 27 to 25 in week 28, underscoring continued transmission and the need for stronger surveillance, early detection, and infection control.
Lassa Fever Cases Increase After Week 27 Decline
According to the NCDC’s latest Lassa Fever situation report, new confirmed cases dropped from 31 in week 26 to 14 in week 27. However, infections rose again to 25 in week 28.
The agency said the latest figures show the virus continues to spread across affected communities despite ongoing response efforts.
23 States Report Confirmed Cases
The NCDC disclosed that 23 states recorded at least one confirmed Lassa fever case.
The disease spread across 113 local government areas in week 27 before expanding to 114 local government areas in week 28.
Furthermore, five states accounted for the majority of infections.
These states include Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo.
Together, they contributed 85 percent of confirmed cases in week 27 and 86 percent in week 28.
Week 28 cases emerged in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Kogi, and Cross River.
Meanwhile, week 27 cases came from Ondo, Edo, Benue, Bauchi, and Kogi.
Young Adults Remain Most Affected
The report identified people aged 21 to 30 years as the most affected group.
This trend highlights the continued impact of Lassa fever on Nigeria’s young adult population.
Death Toll Remains High
As of epidemiological week 28, Nigeria had recorded:
- 963 confirmed cases
- 229 deaths
- 23.8 percent case fatality rate
The NCDC noted that the fatality rate remains higher than the 18.7 percent recorded during the same period in 2025.
For week 27, Nigeria reported:
- 936 confirmed cases
- 224 deaths
- 23.9 percent case fatality rate
The agency said this figure also exceeded the 18.9 percent fatality rate recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
One Healthcare Worker Infected
The report revealed that no healthcare worker contracted Lassa fever during week 27.
However, one healthcare worker became infected in week 28.
NCDC Calls for Stronger Prevention Measures
The NCDC urged health authorities and the public to sustain surveillance and strengthen disease prevention efforts.
It also encouraged early case detection, prompt treatment, strict infection prevention measures, and continuous public awareness campaigns to reduce transmission and prevent more deaths.
