The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old physician who contracted Lassa fever after returning from the United Kingdom.
The agency also reported that as of March 2, 2025, the cumulative number of Lassa fever cases in the country had risen to 535 out of 2,728 suspected cases, with a total of 98 deaths recorded across 14 states.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NCDC disclosed that it was notified of the confirmed case by the Ondo State Ministry of Health on March 5, 2025. According to the agency, the deceased had been managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from his trip abroad.
Details of the Fatal Case
According to official reports, the patient departed Nigeria for the United Kingdom on February 19, 2025, and returned on February 27. Shortly after his arrival, he developed symptoms consistent with Lassa fever and sought medical care.
On February 28, 2025, healthcare providers suspected Lassa fever and took samples for laboratory testing. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to the illness in the early hours of March 1, before the test results were confirmed.
On March 4, 2025, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing confirmed that the deceased had been infected with the Lassa virus. The NCDC also revealed that before falling ill, the physician had visited his fiancée in Edo State and spent time with family and friends.
Lassa Fever Situation in Nigeria
The latest data from the NCDC indicates that Lassa fever remains a serious public health concern in Nigeria. The infection is endemic in the country, with seasonal outbreaks typically peaking between October and May. As of the ninth epidemiological week of 2025 (February 24 to March 2), 14 states had reported confirmed cases, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi accounting for 91% of infections.
Ten local government areas make up 68% of the total cases recorded. These include:
- Owo (Ondo State)
- Akure South (Ondo State)
- Etsako West (Edo State)
- Kirfi (Bauchi State)
- Akoko South-West (Ondo State)
- Bali (Taraba State)
- Esan North-East (Edo State)
- Bauchi (Bauchi State)
- Toro (Bauchi State)
- Jalingo (Taraba State)
Government Response and Contact Tracing Efforts
Following the confirmed case in Ondo State, the government has intensified containment measures to curb the spread of the disease. Contact tracing has been initiated to identify individuals who had close interactions with the deceased.
Health authorities in the United Kingdom have also been alerted to trace and monitor individuals who may have been exposed.
Port Health Services are actively tracking in-flight contacts and reinforcing surveillance at points of entry to prevent further transmission.
The NCDC has assured the public that all necessary health structures have been mobilized to ensure proper monitoring of suspected cases and prevent widespread transmission.
Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.
The multimammate rat, commonly found in West Africa, is the primary reservoir of the virus.
Person-to-person transmission is also possible through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual, particularly in healthcare settings with inadequate infection prevention measures.
The virus can spread through blood, saliva, urine, and other secretions, making medical workers and caregivers particularly vulnerable.
Symptoms of Lassa Fever
The symptoms of Lassa fever often mimic those of common febrile illnesses such as malaria, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Early signs include:
- Fever
- Headache
- General body weakness
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cough
- Diarrhea
In severe cases, the disease may lead to:
- Bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, and other body openings
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial swelling
- Seizures
- Organ failure
The fatality rate of Lassa fever is estimated to be around 18.3%, with severe cases requiring hospitalization and intensive care.
Preventive Measures for Lassa Fever
Given the severity of Lassa fever, the NCDC has urged Nigerians to adopt strict preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. These include:
1. Rodent Control and Proper Food Storage
- Keep homes and surrounding areas clean to discourage rodent infestation.
- Store food in rodent-proof containers and avoid leaving food uncovered.
- Dispose of household waste properly to prevent attracting rodents.
2. Hygiene and Personal Protection
- Wash hands frequently with soap and running water.
- Avoid contact with the blood, urine, saliva, or feces of infected individuals.
- Use gloves and protective equipment when caring for sick individuals, especially in hospital settings.
3. Safe Food Preparation Practices
- Cook food thoroughly before consumption.
- Avoid consuming food items suspected to be contaminated by rodents.
4. Early Medical Attention and Reporting
- Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms of Lassa fever.
- Report suspected cases to health authorities for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Healthcare workers should adhere strictly to infection prevention and control measures.
Hope for Containment and Improved Response
While Lassa fever remains a significant health challenge in Nigeria, the NCDC and state health ministries are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and prevent further deaths.
Surveillance and monitoring efforts are being strengthened, and communities are being educated on how to prevent the spread of the virus.
Public health officials continue to stress the importance of early detection and treatment, as prompt medical intervention significantly improves survival rates.
As the country battles the current outbreak, citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant, adopt preventive measures, and report any suspected cases to health authorities immediately.
