Nigeria has recorded 237 deaths from Lassa fever in the first 30 epidemiological weeks of 2026, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
The country has confirmed 1,000 cases across 23 states and 116 local government areas.
The case fatality rate rose to 23.7 per cent, compared with 18.8 per cent during the corresponding period of 2025.
The latest reporting week recorded 17 confirmed cases, slightly below the 20 reported a week earlier.
Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue accounted for most confirmed infections nationwide.
Ondo recorded the largest share, followed by Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue.
People between 21 and 30 years remained the most affected age group.
The NCDC also reported an infection involving a healthcare worker during the latest period.
The agency said it had expanded training, surveillance, case management, contact tracing and infection prevention measures in affected states.
Protective equipment has been distributed to health facilities, while rapid response teams have been deployed to states carrying a high disease burden.
The NCDC identified delayed presentation at health facilities, treatment costs, poor sanitation and limited public awareness as major factors contributing to deaths.
It urged states to strengthen year round prevention campaigns and advised healthcare workers to maintain a high level of suspicion so that cases can be detected and treated early.
