Lassa fever: Young adults most affected as Nigeria records 1,035 cases and 252 deaths

Young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the main group affected by Lassa fever in Nigeria, as the country’s confirmed cases reached 1,035 and deaths rose to 252 in 2026.

The figures come from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s situation report for epidemiological week 33, covering Aug. 10 to 16. Confirmed cases were recorded in 23 states and 117 local government areas. Patients ranged in age from one to 93, with a median age of 30. Men and women were affected at similar rates, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.9.

The latest week brought 14 new confirmed cases in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi and Benue, compared with four cases the previous week. Two deaths were recorded during the week, up from one in week 32. The cumulative totals also include 7,426 suspected cases, while the case fatality rate increased from 23.5% to 24.4%.

Five states accounted for most of the country’s confirmed cases. Ondo represented 33%, followed by Bauchi at 25%, Taraba at 13%, Edo at 10% and Benue at 6%. Together, they accounted for 87% of confirmed cases by week 33. The number of affected local government areas remained unchanged at 117.

Health workers continue to be affected, with 54 infections recorded. The NCDC said 783 cases had been managed at treatment centres during 2026. It identified late presentation, costly treatment and clinical management, poor sanitation in high-burden communities, limited awareness and infections among healthcare workers as obstacles to the response. The agency urged health workers to maintain a high level of suspicion, refer patients promptly and follow infection-prevention procedures.