The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old physician who succumbed to Lassa fever after returning from the United Kingdom.
The agency also reported that the total number of confirmed Lassa fever cases has risen to 535 out of 2,728 suspected cases, with 98 deaths recorded across 14 states in Nigeria as of March 2, 2025.
In a public advisory issued on Sunday, the NCDC stated, “On March 5, 2025, we were notified by the Ondo State Ministry of Health about a confirmed case of Lassa fever.
The patient, a 31-year-old doctor, was managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from the UK.”
The statement revealed that the patient had left Nigeria on February 19, 2025, and returned on February 27, 2025.
Samples were collected for testing on February 28 on suspicion of Lassa fever.
However, the patient tragically passed away in the early hours of March 1, 2025. Laboratory results later confirmed Lassa fever through PCR testing on March 4.
The NCDC further disclosed that the deceased had visited his fiancée in Edo State and spent time with family and friends before falling ill.
Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, is primarily spread by the multimammate rat.
However, transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated food, household items, or bodily fluids of infected individuals, especially in healthcare settings with inadequate infection control.
The NCDC noted that Lassa fever cases are reported year-round, with peak transmission occurring from October to May.
“As of Epi-week 9 (February 24 to March 2, 2025), Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases, 535 confirmed cases, and 98 deaths across 14 states, resulting in a case fatality rate of 18.3%,” the NCDC stated.
Five states account for 91% of confirmed cases:Ondo (31%), Bauchi (24%), Edo (17%), Taraba (16%) and Ebonyi (3%).
Additionally, ten local government areas make up 68% of confirmed cases, including Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo.
To contain the spread of the disease, the Ondo State Ministry of Health has intensified control efforts, including contact tracing of individuals who had interactions with the deceased.
The NCDC has mobilized all in-country response structures and is working closely with the Port Health Services to track potential in-flight contacts. Additionally, information has been shared with UK health authorities in line with the International Health Regulations (2005).
Lassa fever presents with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, chest pain, and sore throat.
In severe cases, it can lead to bleeding from the ears, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
The NCDC emphasized that early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates.
The agency urged Nigerians to promptly report symptoms and practice preventive measures such as proper food storage, rodent control, and strict hygiene in healthcare settings to curb further transmission.
