The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 14 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever, bringing the country’s cumulative infections to 1,035.
The latest cases were recorded between August 10 and August 16, corresponding to epidemiological week 33, across Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Benue states.
The NCDC disclosed this in its latest Lassa fever situation report released in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the agency, cumulative deaths from the disease increased to 252, while the case fatality rate (CFR) rose to 24.4 per cent.
The latest fatality rate is higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
“The 14 new cases represented an increase from four cases reported during epidemiological week 32, when cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo states,” the agency said.
The NCDC said that by epidemiological week 32, cumulative infections had reached 1,021, with 240 deaths and a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent.
It noted that the week 32 figure represented a decline from the 17 confirmed cases recorded during epidemiological week 31, highlighting fluctuations in weekly transmission.
“By week 33, 23 states had reported at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 117 local government areas,” the agency said.
The latest figures indicate that Lassa fever continues to pose a significant public health challenge across several parts of the country, with cases reported in different states.
The NCDC said it would continue surveillance and response activities across affected areas as part of efforts to monitor transmission and contain further spread of the disease.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that can cause severe disease and death, particularly when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.