NCDC Confirms Lassa Fever Death Of Nigerian Doctor Returning From UK, 98 Deaths Reported

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a new case of Lassa fever in a 31-year-old physician who recently travelled to the United Kingdom.

NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday, revealing that the patient was diagnosed in Ondo State but succumbed to the disease before test results confirmed the infection.

Idris raised an alert on the situation, emphasising the need for heightened surveillance and precautionary measures.

He noted that the case underscores the persistent threat of Lassa fever in Nigeria and its potential for international transmission.

According to the NCDC’s latest epidemiological report, Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases and 535 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in 2025, with 98 deaths reported across 14 states.

“The current case fatality rate stands at 18.3 per cent, indicating the severity of the disease,” Idris said.

Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states account for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases, with the most affected local government areas including Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the confirmed case involved a Nigerian physician who travelled to the UK on February 19, 2025, and returned on February 27, 2025.

“He was admitted to a private health facility in Ondo State with symptoms consistent with Lassa fever.

“Samples were collected on February 28, 2025, but the patient passed away on March 1, 2025, before test results were confirmed.

“The NCDC later confirmed the diagnosis of Lassa fever on March 4, 2025.

“Investigations revealed that before his trip to the UK, the deceased had visited his fiancée in Edo State and interacted with family and friends.

“As a precautionary measure, contact tracing efforts have been launched in both Nigeria and the UK to prevent further spread of the disease.”

In response, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, has intensified contact tracing, surveillance, and infection control measures.

“The agency is identifying and monitoring all potential contacts, including family members, healthcare workers, and fellow passengers on his flights.

“Port Health Services are also enhancing surveillance at entry points, particularly airports, while collaboration with UK health authorities ensures cross-border tracking of potential exposures,” Idris said.

Idris reiterated public health guidelines to prevent further outbreaks, urging Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, control rodent populations, and seek early medical attention for suspected cases.

He emphasised that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.

He said, “Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings with inadequate infection prevention and control measures.

“The NCDC continues to monitor disease patterns, deploy rapid response teams to affected areas, and support specialized treatment centers caring for severe cases.

“Public awareness campaigns are ongoing, educating communities on rodent control, food safety, and the importance of early symptom reporting.

“Despite these efforts, Lassa fever remains a serious public health concern, with high mortality rates and the risk of international spread, as demonstrated by this recent case.”