The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old physician who recently returned from the United Kingdom, marking another tragic loss to Lassa fever. The latest fatality adds to the growing number of cases that continue to grip the country despite ongoing public health efforts. The deceased doctor, who had traveled to the UK on February 19 and returned on February 27, fell ill shortly after his return and was admitted to a private health facility in Ondo State. Medical personnel suspected Lassa fever and collected samples on February 28, but before the test results could confirm the infection, he succumbed to the disease on March 1. The official diagnosis was later confirmed on March 4, sparking concerns about the continued spread of the virus and its potential international transmission.
Health authorities have raised an alert following this case, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance, surveillance, and precautionary measures. According to the NCDC, Nigeria has recorded 2728 suspected cases and 535 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in 2025 alone, with 98 deaths reported across 14 states. The current case fatality rate of 18.3 percent reflects the alarming severity of the disease. The most affected states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, account for 91 percent of all confirmed cases. The virus continues to pose a significant threat, particularly in communities where healthcare infrastructure and disease control measures remain inadequate.
Investigations into the doctor’s recent movements revealed that before traveling to the UK, he had visited his fiancée in Edo State and interacted with family and friends. As a result, contact tracing efforts have been launched both in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom to curb any potential further spread. The NCDC, in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, has intensified surveillance and infection control measures, identifying and closely monitoring all potential contacts, including family members, healthcare workers, and fellow passengers on the flights he took. Port Health Services have also stepped up surveillance at key entry points, especially at airports, while Nigerian and UK health authorities are working together to track any potential exposures.
The devastating impact of Lassa fever remains a pressing concern for Nigeria’s public health system. The disease, caused by the Lassa virus, is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control measures are inadequate. This latest case underscores the urgent need for strengthened public health initiatives to combat the virus and prevent more fatalities.
The NCDC has reiterated its call for Nigerians to adhere to strict hygiene measures and take proactive steps to minimize the risk of infection. The agency has urged people to control rodent populations in their homes, store food properly, and seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding. The public is also encouraged to report suspected cases early, as early intervention significantly increases the chances of survival. In response to the rising number of cases, the NCDC continues to deploy rapid response teams to affected areas, support specialized treatment centers, and intensify public awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities on prevention strategies.
Despite these efforts, Lassa fever remains a serious public health threat with a high mortality rate and the potential for international spread. The tragic death of the Nigerian doctor serves as a stark reminder of the disease’s persistent grip and the urgent need for global cooperation in tackling emerging infectious diseases. The NCDC and other health agencies are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak, but without stronger public engagement and adherence to preventive measures, the risk remains significant.
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