Lassa Fever Death Toll Hits 252

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 252 Lassa fever deaths and 1,035 confirmed cases across 23 states this year.

The figures were contained in the agency’s situation report released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The NCDC said 14 new confirmed cases were recorded between August 10 and August 16 in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Benue states.

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Cumulative infections increased from 1,021 in week 32 to 1,035 in week 33, while deaths rose from 240 to 252.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Credit: The Guardian Nigeria News.

The case fatality rate also increased to 24.4 percent, compared with 23.5 percent in week 32 and 18.6 per cent recorded 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 NCDC said.

The agency said 23 states had reported at least one confirmed case across 117 local government areas by week 33.

Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo accounted for 87 per cent of cumulative confirmed cases.

The five states also accounted for 86 per cent of confirmed cases recorded in week 32, remaining the most affected states.

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People aged 21 to 30 years remained the predominant age group affected during both reporting weeks.

The NCDC said no new healthcare worker infections were recorded during weeks 32 and 33.

The agency said it would continue surveillance and response activities, describing Lassa fever as a significant public health concern.

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