NCDC Reports 13 New Lassa Fever Cases and Four Deaths in Week 44

Nigeria recorded 13 confirmed Lassa fever cases and four confirmed deaths during epidemiological week 44 of 2026, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The reporting period covered 26 October to 1 November. Confirmed cases increased from nine in the preceding week to 13, while 179 suspected cases were reported.

Five states reported new infections

The new confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba and Nasarawa states. Since the beginning of 2026, confirmed Lassa fever infections have been reported across 26 states and 122 local government areas.

The NCDC situation update also recorded 8,968 suspected cases, 1,186 confirmed infections and 278 deaths cumulatively through week 44. That represents a reported case-fatality rate of 23.4 per cent. These figures relate to Lassa fever and should not be confused with the separate Ebola contact-monitoring update reported by MBTV on 14 November.

Prevention and early treatment

Lassa fever is commonly associated with exposure to food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. The NCDC advises households to store food in covered containers, dispose of refuse properly and keep homes free from rodents.

People experiencing fever, weakness, headache or unusual bleeding should seek medical attention promptly. Early presentation improves the chances of effective treatment and helps health workers identify possible transmission chains.

The weekly increase does not by itself establish a long-term national surge, because case numbers can fluctuate. Continued surveillance is nevertheless important, especially in states with repeated transmission.

Sources: NCDC Lassa Fever Situation Report, Week 44; ARISE News report of the NCDC briefing.

Featured image: licensed illustrative healthcare photograph.