Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old physician from Lassa fever shortly after returning from a trip to the United Kingdom.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC revealed that the doctor, who had travelled abroad on February 19, 2025, and returned on February 27, 2025, fell ill and was admitted to a private facility in Ondo State.
Despite suspicions of Lassa fever leading to sample collection on February 28, he sadly passed away in the early hours of March 1, 2025. The diagnosis was later confirmed as Lassa fever through PCR testing on March 4, prompting swift intervention by health authorities.
Dr. Idris emphasized that the NCDC has been working closely with the Ondo State Ministry of Health to trace and monitor all possible contacts of the deceased physician, including individuals in Nigeria and the UK.
“Information was shared with all relevant authorities in line with the International Health Regulations (2005), and contact tracing efforts are also ongoing in the UK,” he stated.
The agency has also mobilized Port Health Services to strengthen surveillance at entry and exit points, using the patient’s biodata and travel details for effective tracking.
These measures are part of broader efforts to contain Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease that has seen a surge in cases across Nigeria.
Providing an update on the disease, Idris reported that as of epidemiological week 9 (February 24 – March 2, 2025), Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases, 535 confirmed infections, and 98 deaths across 14 states, with a case fatality rate of 18.3%.
“Five states account for 91% of confirmed cases: Ondo (31%), Bauchi (24%), Edo (17%), Taraba (16%), and Ebonyi (3%),” he noted.
The NCDC continues to monitor the spread of Lassa fever alongside other infectious diseases such as meningitis, diphtheria, and cholera. A new advisory on Lassa fever has been issued, urging heightened public awareness and preventive measures in light of the confirmed case linked to international travel.
