Lassa Fever Deaths Hit 252

Nigeria recorded 14 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever in epidemiological week 33 of 2026, bringing the cumulative number of deaths from the disease to 252, according to the latest situation report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The NCDC, in a post on its X handle on Wednesday, said the new cases were reported in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi and Benue states, up from four cases recorded in week 32.

According to the centre, the cumulative case fatality rate (CFR) rose to 24.4 per cent, compared with 18.6 per cent during the same period in 2025.

The report said 23 states and 117 Local Government Areas have recorded at least one confirmed case in 2026.

It added that 87 per cent of all confirmed cases were reported from five states: Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue. Ondo accounted for 33 per cent, Bauchi 25 per cent, Taraba 13 per cent, Edo 10 per cent and Benue six per cent.

The predominant age group affected remains 21–30 years, with cases ranging from one to 93 years and a median age of 30 years. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stands at 1:0.9.

The report also recorded an increase in suspected and confirmed cases compared with the same period in 2025.

The NCDC said that while the number of confirmed cases fluctuates, the continued detection of cases and deaths reinforces the need for constant vigilance, early detection and prompt response.