Lassa Fever: NCDC Confirms 14 New Cases, Death Toll Rises to 252 in Nigeria

Nigeria has recorded 14 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever, pushing the country’s cumulative infections to 1,035, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The new infections were reported between August 10 and 16, corresponding to epidemiological Week 33, with Bauchi, Benue, Ondo and Edo states recording cases during the period.

The NCDC said 252 deaths have now been recorded among confirmed cases, raising the case fatality rate to 24.4 per cent. The figure is higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded over the same period in 2025.

The latest figures also show a sharp weekly increase in confirmed infections. Nigeria recorded four cases in Week 32, meaning the Week 33 total represents a significant rise in new infections.

At the end of Week 32, cumulative confirmed cases stood at 1,021, while reported deaths had reached 240, with a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent. The NCDC noted that Week 32 had itself recorded fewer cases than Week 31, when 17 infections were confirmed.

By Week 33, Lassa fever had been reported in 23 states, with confirmed infections recorded across 117 local government areas.

The disease remains a major public health concern in the affected areas, particularly as the number of confirmed deaths and the case fatality rate continue to draw attention.

The NCDC said it was maintaining surveillance and response measures across affected states as authorities continue efforts to monitor and contain the spread of Lassa fever.