The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 663 cases of Lassa fever and 167 related deaths across the country in 2026.
In its latest situation report for epidemiological week 13 (March 23 to March 29), the agency said the number of new confirmed cases declined to 26, compared to 51 recorded in the preceding week.
Despite the drop in new infections, the NCDC reported an increase in the case fatality rate (CFR) to 25.2 per cent, up from 18.5 per cent recorded within the same period in 2025.
The report indicated that the outbreak has spread to 22 states and 93 local government areas nationwide.
It identified Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo and Benue as the most affected states, accounting for about 85 per cent of confirmed cases.
The agency noted that no new infections were recorded among healthcare workers during the period under review.
However, it added that both suspected and confirmed cases remain higher than figures reported at the same period last year.
To curb the outbreak, the NCDC said it had activated a national multi-partner incident management system.
It said measures being intensified include contact tracing, infection prevention and control, as well as the deployment of rapid response teams to high-burden states.
The agency urged state governments to strengthen community engagement and public awareness on preventive measures.
It also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols.
