The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says no fewer than 17 people have died from Lassa fever across eight states in the first three weeks of 2026. The NCDC said Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi, Benue and Nasarawa states recorded new confirmed cases during the period. According to the report, Nigeria recorded 93 confirmed Lassa fever cases from the affected states. The NCDC said the national Lassa fever multi-partner incident management system had been activated to support response activities. Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness endemic in Nigeria and parts of West Africa.