National health authorities have confirmed a fresh uptick in viral hemorrhagic infections, reporting 14 new cases of Lassa fever during epidemiological week 33.
The new figures, released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in Abuja on Tuesday evening, September 1, 2026, push the total count of confirmed infections across the country to 1,035.
​According to the NCDC situation report, the newly recorded infections occurred between August 10 and August 16. The cases were detected across four states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Benue.
​The epidemiological update reveals a troubling surge in fatalities. Total deaths connected to the current outbreak have reached 252, elevating the national Case Fatality Rate (CFR) to 24.4 per cent. This reflects a stark increase from the 18.6 per cent CFR recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, highlighting heightened severity in clinical outcomes.
​The week 33 total of 14 cases marks a sharp rebound from epidemiological week 32, which logged just four confirmed cases confined to Ondo and Edo states.
By the end of week 32, cumulative infections stood at 1,021 with 240 recorded deaths (a 23.5 per cent CFR). Public health analysts note that week 32 itself had seen a temporary decline from the 17 cases reported in week 31, underscoring ongoing volatility in weekly viral transmission.
​To date, 23 states and 117 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have registered at least one confirmed Lassa fever case this year. However, five states; Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo remain the primary epicenters, collectively accounting for 87 per cent of all cumulative cases through week 33. The same five states contributed 86 per cent of all cases in week 32.
​Demographic breakdowns provided in the report indicate that young adults aged 21 to 30 years continue to be the most affected group. In a positive development for hospital safety, no health workers were infected during weeks 32 or 33.
​Coordinating from its central headquarters in Abuja, the NCDC’s multi-sectoral Lassa fever Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to oversee national response efforts. State-level rapid response units are maintaining active surveillance, vector control, and clinical case management in high-burden regions.
​The NCDC advises the public to implement strict hygiene measures, including storing food in rodent-proof containers and discouraging the drying of produce along roadsides.
Anyone exhibiting early symptoms, such as persistent fever, bodily weakness, severe headaches, or unexplained bleeding, is urged to report immediately to designated healthcare facilities.
