The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a new case of Lassa fever involving a 31-year-old medical doctor who recently traveled to the United Kingdom.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris confirmed that the patient, diagnosed in Ondo State, passed away before his test results confirmed the infection.
He stressed the importance of increased surveillance and preventive measures, noting that the case underscores the ongoing risk of Lassa fever in Nigeria and its potential to spread beyond the country’s borders.
According to NCDC’s latest data, there have been 2,728 suspected Lassa fever cases in 2025, with 535 confirmed infections and 98 fatalities across 14 states.
“The current case fatality rate stands at 18.3 per cent, reflecting the severity of the outbreak. Five states—Ondo (31 per cent), Bauchi (24 per cent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (16 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent)—account for 91 per cent of confirmed cases.
“The most affected local government areas include Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo,” he said.
Idris further disclosed that the deceased had traveled to the UK on February 19, 2025, and returned to Nigeria on February 27. Shortly after his return, he sought medical attention at a private hospital in Ondo State, exhibiting symptoms consistent with Lassa fever.
“His samples were taken for testing on February 28, but sadly, he died on March 1, before the results confirming Lassa fever were available on March 4,” Idris explained.
Investigations revealed that before his trip to the UK, the doctor had visited his fiancée in Edo State and spent time with relatives and friends. As a precautionary measure, health officials in Nigeria and the UK have launched extensive contact tracing to curb further spread of the disease.
In response, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, has intensified monitoring, tracing of potential contacts, and infection control efforts.
“We are actively identifying and tracking individuals who had contact with the deceased, including family members, healthcare workers, and fellow travelers on his flight.
“Port Health Services have ramped up screening at entry points, particularly airports, while discussions with UK health officials ensure proper cross-border coordination in tracking possible exposures,” Idris stated.
He urged Nigerians to take necessary precautions, including proper sanitation, preventing rodent infestations, and seeking medical attention at the first sign of illness.
Lassa fever, he explained, is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted through contact with food or household surfaces contaminated by rodent urine, feces, or saliva. It can also spread from person to person, especially in medical settings where infection prevention measures are inadequate.
The NCDC remains actively engaged in monitoring outbreaks, deploying response teams, and supporting specialized treatment facilities for severe cases. Additionally, awareness campaigns continue to educate the public on rodent control, food hygiene, and early symptom detection.
“Despite these measures, Lassa fever continues to pose a major public health challenge, with its high fatality rate and risk of spreading internationally, as evidenced by this case,” Idris warned.
(Prompt news)