Nigeria has recorded a fresh uptick in confirmed Lassa fever infections, reversing a brief drop seen earlier in the month.
According to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, overall cases for the year have now reached 963, with the death toll climbing to 229.
The agency’s latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, issued in a statement on Friday, highlights a shifting trend. New infections decreased from 31 in epidemiological week 26 down to 14 in week 27, before climbing back to 25 in week 28. This resurgence signals that transmission of the virus remains active across various regions.
The NCDC identified Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Kogi, and Cross River states as the sources of the week 28 cases. The infections registered in week 27 came from Ondo, Edo, Benue, Bauchi, and Kogi states.
As of week 28, the cumulative tally stands at 963 confirmed infections and 229 deaths. This reflects a case fatality rate of 23.8 per cent, which is notably higher than the 18.7 per cent reported in the same period of 2025.
“For week 27, the country recorded 936 confirmed cases and 224 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 23.9 per cent, also higher than the 18.9 per cent reported during the corresponding period in 2025,” the report stated.
So far, at least one confirmed case has been reported across 23 states. The reach of the disease widened slightly from 113 local government areas in week 27 to 114 local government areas in week 28.
Infection hot spots remain largely clustered in specific areas. Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo states together represented 85 per cent of all confirmed cases in week 27, a proportion that edged up to 86 per cent in week 28.
Demographic data reveals that individuals between 21 and 30 years old continue to be the hardest-hit age group, illustrating the significant impact on young adults nationwide.
Regarding frontline workers, the agency noted that while zero healthcare personnel contracted the virus in week 27, one healthcare worker tested positive in week 28.
In response to the figures, the NCDC has called on health authorities and citizens to strengthen surveillance, focus on early case detection, deliver prompt medical treatment, maintain rigorous infection prevention protocols, and boost community education to halt further transmission and prevent more loss of life.
