Lassa Fever Cases Rise to 1,035 with 252 Deaths in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 14 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever in week 33, increasing the cumulative total to 1,035 infections. The new cases were recorded from August 10 to August 16 in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Benue states.

The death toll has risen to 252, with a case fatality rate of 24.4%, which is higher than the 18.6% recorded in 2025. In week 32, there were 4 confirmed cases, bringing the total infections to 1,021 and deaths to 240, with a case fatality rate of 23.5%.

The NCDC noted that 23 states reported at least one confirmed case across 117 local government areas, with Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo states accounting for 87% of all confirmed cases. The predominant age group affected remains 21 to 30 years.

No new infections among healthcare workers were reported in either week 32 or week 33, and the NCDC will continue its surveillance and response activities as Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern.