The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 18, covering the period from April 28th to May 4th, 2025. The report reveals a continued public health concern, with 10 new confirmed cases and 3 new deaths recorded in the past week.
According to the data on it X page on Wednesday, a total of 717 confirmed cases have been reported across the country since the beginning of 2025. The cumulative number of suspected cases has risen to 4,881, with 209 new suspected cases identified in the latest reporting week.
Tragically, 138 deaths have been confirmed since the start of the year, reflecting the severity of the outbreak. The case fatality rate remains a significant concern for health authorities, who are intensifying surveillance and response efforts nationwide.
The outbreak currently affects 18 states and 93 local government areas (LGAs). Affected states are concentrated mostly in the southern and central regions of Nigeria, as illustrated in the NCDC’s accompanying map and bar chart which highlight areas with high transmission and outcomes of cases (alive vs. dead).
The NCDC continues to advocate for increased public awareness, early detection, and strict hygiene practices to curb the spread of the virus. Health workers are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion and follow standard precautions when handling suspected cases.
The government, in collaboration with local and international partners, is ramping up efforts to support affected communities and strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
For real-time updates and preventive guidelines, citizens are encouraged to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or follow official NCDC social media platforms.