At least 31 people have died from Lassa fever in Nigeria within five weeks, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

In its latest report, the agency said 754 suspected cases were recorded, with 165 confirmed, including nine health workers. The case fatality rate stood at 18.8 per cent, slightly lower than 19.6 per cent in the same period of 2025.

Nine states recorded cases across 33 local government areas, with 92 per cent reported in Bauchi State, Ondo State, Taraba State, Edo State, and Plateau State. Bauchi accounted for the highest share with 47 per cent.

The most affected age group was 21–30 years, while the male-to-female ratio was 1:0.8. The NCDC said 135 patients are currently receiving treatment, with about 110 under contact tracing.

The agency added that response measures include field missions, strengthened laboratory testing, and increased funding for prevention.

Lassa fever is a viral disease spread mainly through contact with items contaminated by infected rodents and remains endemic in Nigeria and parts of West Africa.