The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 14 new confirmed Lassa fever cases, bringing the total number of infections reported so far this year to 1,035.

The cases were recorded between August 10 and 16 in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Benue states, according to the NCDC’s latest situation report released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The agency also reported that the number of deaths had risen to 252, while the case fatality rate increased to 24.4 per cent, compared with 18.6 per cent recorded in 2025.

“The 14 new cases represented an increase from four cases reported during epidemiological week 32, when cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo states.

“In week 32, cumulative infections reached 1,021, with 240 deaths and a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent,” the agency stated.

The NCDC said the 14 cases recorded in week 33 followed a decline from the 17 cases reported in week 31, reflecting fluctuations in weekly transmission.

It added that 23 states had reported at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 117 local government areas by week 33.

“Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states accounted for 87 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded cumulatively by week 33.

“The five states also accounted for 86 per cent of confirmed cases in week 32, maintaining their position as the major affected states.

“People aged 21 to 30 years remain the predominant age group affected by Lassa fever during both reporting weeks,” the agency said.

The NCDC further disclosed that no new healthcare worker infection was recorded in either week 32 or week 33.

It said surveillance and response activities would continue as Lassa fever remained a significant public health concern across affected states.