Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a new case of Lassa fever in a 31-year-old Nigerian physician who had recently traveled to the United Kingdom.
According to NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the doctor was diagnosed in Ondo State but sadly passed away before his test results confirmed the infection.
“The current case fatality rate stands at 18.3 per cent, indicating the severity of the disease,” Idris stated.
In 2025 alone, Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases, with 535 confirmed infections and 98 deaths across 14 states, highlighting the persistent threat of Lassa fever.
Investigations revealed that before traveling to the UK, the deceased had visited his fiancée in Edo State and met with family and friends. Upon returning to Nigeria on February 27, he was admitted to a private hospital in Ondo State with symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever.
“Samples were taken on Feb. 28, 2025, but the patient passed away on March 1, 2025, before test results were confirmed,” Idris reported.
Contact tracing efforts have since been launched in both Nigeria and the UK to prevent further spread. The NCDC, in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, has intensified surveillance, infection control, and monitoring of all potential contacts, including healthcare workers, family members, and co-passengers on flights.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC is reinforcing public health measures to curb transmission. “Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings with inadequate infection prevention and control measures,” Idris warned.
Authorities are enhancing surveillance at entry points, especially airports, while also working with UK health officials to track potential exposures. Public awareness campaigns continue to educate communities on rodent control, food safety, and early symptom reporting.
“In spite of these efforts, Lassa fever remains a significant public health challenge, with high mortality rates and the potential for international spread, as demonstrated by this recent case,” Idris emphasized.
