The Nigeria Centre for Disease Contro, (NCDC)l has confirmed 165 cases of Lassa fever and 31 deaths within the first five weeks of 2026.
According to the agency, over 754 suspected cases were reported, with nine health workers among those infected.
Five states including Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, and Plateau account for 92 percent of confirmed cases, with Bauchi alone contributing 47 percent.
The case fatality rate currently stands at 18.8 percent, slightly lower than the same period in 2025.
The NCDC stated that treatment centres are managing active cases while contact tracing continues for over 100 suspected infections.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected mastomys rats.
Health authorities have intensified surveillance, laboratory testing, and emergency response measures to contain the outbreak.
