Nigeria's Lassa Fever Death Count Climbs to 252, NCDC Confirms

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released updated figures on the Lassa fever outbreak, indicating 14 new confirmed cases. This recent addition brings the cumulative number of infections recorded across the country this year to 1,035. These latest cases were identified between August 10 and August 16, affecting residents in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Benue states, as detailed in the agency's situation report published in Abuja on Tuesday, September 1.

Alarmingly, the NCDC's report also confirmed that the total fatalities from the disease have now reached 252. Consequently, the case fatality rate (CFR) has escalated to 24.4 per cent, a noticeable increase when compared to the 18.6 per cent recorded in 2025 (as per the original report). The 14 new cases signify a rise in infections compared to the four confirmed cases reported in epidemiological week 32, which primarily saw infections in Ondo and Edo states.

During epidemiological week 32, the NCDC had reported a total of 1,021 infections, 240 deaths, and a CFR of 23.5 per cent. The agency also noted fluctuations in weekly transmission, with the four cases in week 32 representing a decline from the 17 confirmed cases recorded in epidemiological week 31. The outbreak continues to be widespread, with 23 states having reported at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 117 local government areas by epidemiological week 33.

The disease control agency reiterated its commitment to ongoing surveillance and response activities, emphasizing that Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern in the affected states. Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that can spread to humans through direct contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. Furthermore, person-to-person transmission is possible, particularly within healthcare settings. The NCDC continues to advise the public to maintain rigorous hygiene, protect food and household items from rodents, and seek medical attention without delay if symptoms associated with the disease begin to manifest.