The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has confirmed 14 new cases of Lassa fever, bringing the total number of confirmed infections recorded so far to 1,035.
The latest figures were contained in the agency’s Week 33 Lassa fever situation report released in Abuja, with the NCDC stating that the new cases were recorded between August 10 and August 16 across Bauchi, Benue, Ondo and Edo states.
The agency said the latest infections have brought the cumulative number of deaths linked to Lassa fever to 252, while the case fatality rate, CFR, increased to 24.4 per cent.
The latest CFR is higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded in 2025, indicating a significant increase in the proportion of confirmed cases resulting in death.
The NCDC noted that the 14 confirmed cases recorded in Week 33 represented an increase from the four cases reported during epidemiological Week 32.
The Week 32 cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo states, with cumulative infections at the time reaching 1,021. Deaths also stood at 240 during Week 32, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 23.5 per cent.
The agency said the increase recorded in Week 33 followed a decline in infections during the previous reporting period.
Also Read: NCDC confirms 214 deaths from Lassa Fever
“The Week 32 figure represents a decline from 17 confirmed cases recorded during epidemiological Week 31, indicating fluctuations in weekly transmission,” the NCDC stated.
The week-to-week changes highlight the varying pattern of Lassa fever transmission across affected areas and the need for continued monitoring of suspected and confirmed cases.
By Week 33, the NCDC said 23 states had reported at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever across 117 local government areas.
The spread across several states underscores the continued public health concern posed by the disease, particularly in areas where confirmed infections have been recorded.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that can cause severe disease and death, making early detection, appropriate treatment and effective disease surveillance important in reducing its impact.
As infections continue to be reported in different parts of the country, the NCDC said it would maintain its surveillance and response activities across affected states.
The agency’s response efforts include monitoring the emergence of new cases and supporting measures aimed at limiting further transmission.
The latest situation report also provides an update on the changing pattern of infections, allowing health authorities to assess the spread of the disease and strengthen interventions where necessary.
With 1,035 confirmed infections and 252 deaths recorded by Week 33, health authorities continue to monitor developments closely as Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria.
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