Lassa fever death toll hits 252 — NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a troubling surge in Lassa fever cases, with 14 new confirmed infections in the latest week, raising the total to 1,035 cases across Nigeria. The recent infections were recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Benue states between August 10 and August 16, as per the situation report released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The NCDC announced that cumulative deaths have climbed to 252, resulting in a case fatality rate of 24.4 percent, an alarming increase from the 18.6 percent recorded in 2025.

The 14 new cases mark a notable rise from the four cases reported during epidemiological week 32, when infections were also recorded in Ondo and Edo states. In week 32, the cumulative infections reached 1,021, with 240 deaths and a case fatality rate of 23.5 percent. The agency noted that the week 32 figure represented a decline from the 17 confirmed cases recorded during epidemiological week 31, suggesting fluctuations in the weekly transmission of the disease.

As of week 33, Lassa fever has been reported in 23 states across 117 local government areas, with 23 states having recorded at least one confirmed case. The NCDC emphasized that the agency would continue its surveillance and response activities, as Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern in the affected regions.