The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, confirmed 14 new Lassa fever cases in Nigeria between August 10 and August 16, 2026, raising the country’s cumulative infections to 1,035.

The agency disclosed the figures in its Week 33 Lassa fever situation report released in Abuja on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

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The latest cases were recorded in Bauchi, Benue, Ondo and Edo states, highlighting the continued spread of the disease across several parts of the country.

The NCDC also reported 252 deaths from Lassa fever, putting the case fatality rate at 24.4 per cent.

The latest fatality rate is higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, underscoring the seriousness of the outbreak.

The 14 new infections represent a notable increase from the four confirmed cases recorded during epidemiological Week 32.

During Week 32, cases were reported in Ondo and Edo states, bringing the cumulative number of infections at the time to 1,021, with 240 deaths and a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent.

The NCDC noted that weekly infections have continued to fluctuate.

“The Week 32 figure represents a decline from 17 confirmed cases recorded during epidemiological Week 31, indicating fluctuations in weekly transmission,” the agency stated.

By Week 33, 23 states had reported at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 117 local government areas.

The figures indicate that the disease remains a significant public health concern, particularly in states that have recorded confirmed infections.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that can cause severe disease and death, although many infections may present with mild or non-specific symptoms.

The disease is endemic in parts of West Africa and is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected multimammate rats.

Person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings when appropriate infection prevention measures are not followed.

The NCDC has continued surveillance and response activities in affected areas as health authorities monitor the pattern of transmission.

The agency’s latest figures also reinforce the importance of early detection and appropriate medical care, particularly because severe Lassa fever can progress rapidly.

With infections reported across 23 states, health authorities are expected to maintain heightened surveillance while strengthening response measures in affected communities.

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The increase from four cases in Week 32 to 14 in Week 33 demonstrates the changing nature of transmission and the need for continued vigilance as Nigeria moves through the 2026 outbreak period.