NIGERIA has recorded 1,000 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 237 deaths across 23 states and 116 Local Government Areas in the first 30 weeks of 2026.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says the case fatality rate now stands at 23.7 per cent, higher than the 18.8 per cent recorded during the same period last year.
In epidemiological week 30, covering July 20 to 26, Nigeria recorded 17 confirmed cases and six deaths — a decline from the 20 cases reported the previous week.
The new cases were recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Benue States, while one healthcare worker also contracted the disease.
The NCDC identifies delayed treatment, poor health-seeking behaviour, inadequate sanitation and low public awareness as key challenges.
The agency is urging Nigerians to seek early medical attention, while health workers are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion and strictly observe infection prevention measures.