Nigeria is grappling with a rising wave of Lassa fever infections as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the death of a 31-year-old doctor who recently returned from the United Kingdom.
In a public health advisory issued on Sunday, the NCDC reported a total of 535 confirmed Lassa fever cases out of 2,728 suspected infections, with 98 fatalities recorded across 14 states as of March 2, 2025.
A Doctor’s Final Days
According to the agency, the Ondo State Ministry of Health alerted the NCDC about the confirmed case on March 5. The deceased physician had returned to Nigeria on February 27, after a brief stay in the UK, and was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Ondo State.
“The patient traveled out of Nigeria on February 19 and returned on February 27, 2025. Samples were taken on February 28 after Lassa fever was suspected, but unfortunately, he passed away in the early hours of March 1,” the NCDC disclosed.
Investigations revealed that before falling ill, the doctor had visited his fiancée in Edo State and spent time with family and friends, unknowingly exposing others to the deadly virus.
Escalating Outbreak and Hotspot States
As of epidemiological week 9 (February 24 – March 2, 2025), Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected Lassa fever cases, with 535 confirmed infections and an alarming 98 deaths. The fatality rate stands at 18.3%, a figure that has sparked renewed concerns among health authorities.
The outbreak remains concentrated in five states, accounting for 91% of confirmed cases:
- Ondo – 31%
- Bauchi – 24%
- Edo – 17%
- Taraba – 16%
- Ebonyi – 3%
Ten local government areas, including Owo, Akure South, and Bauchi, are responsible for 68% of total cases.
Health Authorities Spring Into Action
In response to the growing crisis, the Ondo State Ministry of Health has ramped up containment efforts, including aggressive contact tracing and monitoring of individuals who interacted with the deceased doctor.
The NCDC also confirmed that national response mechanisms have been fully activated, with Port Health Services working to track in-flight contacts to prevent further spread. Additionally, UK health authorities have been notified under international health regulations.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
The NCDC is urging the public to take preventive measures seriously, including:
Maintaining good hygiene – Wash hands regularly and avoid contact with rodents.
Proper food storage – Store food in sealed containers to prevent contamination.
Early medical attention – Report symptoms such as fever, weakness, and bleeding immediately.
The agency remains committed to controlling the outbreak, but with Lassa fever cases rising, public cooperation is crucial in preventing further loss of lives.
