The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old doctor who died from Lassa fever after returning from the United Kingdom.
The agency also reported an increase in Lassa fever cases to 535 confirmed cases, out of 2,728 suspected ones, with 98 deaths across 14 states in Nigeria as of March 2, 2025.
According to a public advisory released by the NCDC on Sunday, “On March 5, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was notified of a confirmed case of Lassa fever by the Ondo State Ministry of Health. The patient, a 31-year-old physician, was managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from a trip abroad (UK).
“The patient departed Nigeria on 19/02/2025 and returned on 27/02/2025. Samples were taken late on Friday, 28/02/2025, on suspicion of Lassa fever, but the patient unfortunately passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 01/03/2025.
“Laboratory investigation confirmed the result as Lassa fever-positive through PCR testing on Tuesday, 04/03/2025. The patient was reported to have visited his fiancée in Edo State, as well as family and friends, before travelling.”
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, with the natural reservoir being the multimammate rat (also known as the African rat), though other rodents can also serve as carriers.
The NCDC mentioned that Lassa fever is present year-round, with peak transmission periods usually between October and May.
“As of Epi-week 9 (February 24, to March 2, 2025), a total of 2,728 suspected cases, 535 confirmed cases, and 98 deaths have been recorded across 14 states in Nigeria, with a case fatality rate of 18.3 per cent.
“Five states account for 91 per cent of confirmed cases: Ondo (31 percent), Bauchi (24 percent), Edo (17 percent), Taraba (16 percent), and Ebonyi (3 percent).
“Ten local government areas make up 68 per cent of confirmed cases, namely: Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo.”
In response to the situation, the Ondo State Ministry of Health has intensified control measures, including contact tracing and identifying individuals who had contact with the confirmed case.
The NCDC also stated that all necessary structures within the country have been mobilized for proper monitoring of contacts. Port Health Services are assisting in tracing in-flight contacts to enhance surveillance at entry points, and relevant information has been shared with authorities in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005). Contact tracing is also ongoing in the UK.
Lassa fever is transmitted through direct contact with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rodents; consuming food or drinks contaminated with fluids from infected rats; and coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or household items. Person-to-person transmission can occur through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, particularly in healthcare settings where infection control practices are lacking.
Symptoms of Lassa fever often resemble those of other common febrile illnesses like malaria, including headache, body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, sore throat, and, in severe cases, bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
“Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment significantly improve patient survival rates. Prompt reporting of symptoms ensures timely intervention, thereby increasing the chances of survival,” the NCDC emphasized.
