By Atlantic Reports

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,138 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 268 deaths across 24 states, with the cumulative case fatality rate reaching 23.6 per cent.

The figures, contained in a statement issued on Monday, cover infections recorded up to epidemiological week 40, which ended on October 4, 2026. They are cumulative totals, rather than cases and deaths recorded solely during the latest two-week reporting period.

According to the agency, the case fatality rate was higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. The rate represents the proportion of reported confirmed cases that resulted in death.

The NCDC said confirmed infections had been recorded in 119 local government areas. Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo accounted for 88 per cent of confirmed cases, while people aged 21 to 30 were the most affected age group.

Weekly Infections Decline

Three new confirmed cases were reported in Bauchi and Benue during week 40, covering September 28 to October 4, compared with 13 cases in week 39.

The 13 cases recorded during week 39, covering September 21 to 27, were reported in Ondo State. That figure was slightly higher than the 11 cases recorded in week 38.

No new healthcare worker infection was reported during weeks 39 and 40.

However, the figures presented contain a discrepancy requiring clarification. The cumulative confirmed case count rose from 1,134 in week 39 to 1,138 in week 40, an increase of four, although the statement listed three new cases for week 40. It did not explain the difference.

The cumulative death toll increased from 267 to 268 over the same period. The statement did not establish why the case fatality rate was higher than a year earlier.

Prevention in Homes and Healthcare Settings

Lassa fever is an acute viral illness transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents’ urine or faeces. It can also spread through direct contact with an infected person’s blood or other bodily fluids, particularly where healthcare infection prevention measures are inadequate. who.int

The NCDC advised residents to maintain good environmental sanitation, store food in rodent-proof containers and avoid contact with rats.

These precautions are relevant to households and businesses that store grain and other food supplies. The World Health Organization also recommends keeping homes clean and applying appropriate infection prevention measures when caring for patients. who.int

Although new confirmed infections declined in the latest reporting week, the cumulative deaths and higher reported case fatality rate remain central concerns in Nigeria’s response to the disease.

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