There is a growing concern about the spread of Lassa fever and its impact across Nigeria. Recent report says the country has 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. This is contained in a 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. This an increase 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 this year.
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.
A yet alarming part of the report is that the disease seems to be targeting the productive sector of the population. It says that the predominant age group affected remains 21–30 years, though the elderly are not spared, as cases also range from one to 93 years, even as the median age stands at 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.