New data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) shows that five states account for 85 per cent of Lassa fever cases recorded so far in 2026.
In its latest situation report covering Epidemiological Week 10 (2–8 March 2026), the agency said Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states continue to drive the outbreak nationwide.
According to the report, Bauchi recorded the highest burden with 28 per cent of confirmed cases, followed by Ondo with 21 per cent, Taraba with 19 per cent, Benue with 9 per cent and Edo with 8 per cent. The remaining 15 per cent were spread across 15 other states.
The NCDC said that 20 states and 78 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case so far in 2026.
During Week 10 alone, new infections were recorded in eight states, including Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Edo, Kogi, Gombe and Cross River.
The agency noted that young adults remain the most affected group, with people aged 21–30 accounting for the highest number of confirmed cases. It added that cases have been recorded across ages one to 90 years, with a median age of 30.
The gender distribution remains nearly equal, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.9.
The NCDC said a total of 38 infections have been confirmed among health workers so far in 2026, raising concerns about infection prevention gaps in health facilities.
The report also showed a decline in weekly cases, with 40 confirmed infections recorded in Week 10, down from 65 the previous week. However, seven deaths were recorded, representing a case fatality rate of 17.5 per cent.
Despite the decline in transmission, the agency warned that mortality remains high, while several challenges continue to hinder effective outbreak control.
These include late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour due to treatment costs, low awareness in affected communities, and poor environmental sanitation in high-risk areas.
The NCDC said it is working with partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Médecins Sans Frontières to strengthen response activities nationwide.
Interventions include deployment of rapid response teams, distribution of personal protective equipment and treatment drugs, as well as training of health workers on case management in affected states.
The agency also said it has activated surveillance systems, intensified contact tracing, and expanded behavioural change campaigns across high-burden areas.
It further reported that 922 contacts have been identified so far, with 321 currently under active follow-up.
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