The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an increase in confirmed Lassa fever cases across the country, according to its Epidemiological Week 7 Situation Report covering February 9 to 15, 2026.
The report revealed that new confirmed infections rose from 74 cases recorded in Week 6 to 82 cases in Week 7, with affected states including Bauchi, Ondo, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Kano, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau and Benue.
“Cumulatively, Nigeria has recorded 82 confirmed cases and 75 deaths so far in 2026, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23 percent, higher than the 19.7 percent recorded during the same period in 2025”.
According to the NCDC, at least 14 states across 58 Local Government Areas have reported one or more confirmed cases, indicating continued transmission of the disease in several parts of the country.
The agency noted that about 84 percent of all confirmed infections were reported from Bauchi, Taraba, Ondo and Edo States, making them the current hotspots of the outbreak.
Data from the situation report also showed that young adults aged between 21 and 30 years remain the most affected demographic group.
“Five healthcare workers were newly infected within the reporting week, underscoring ongoing risks faced by frontline health personnel”.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain preventive measures, including proper hygiene, safe food storage, and early reporting of symptoms, while encouraging the public to seek timely medical care through its toll-free line, 6232, for information and support.