- The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) issued a public health advisory following the death of a 31-year-old physician who contracted Lassa fever after returning from the UK
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to monitor individuals after the physician's Lassa fever case
- NCDC urged Nigerians to practice good hygiene, store food in sealed containers, and ensure proper infection control in healthcare settings
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a new public advisory on Lassa fever in light of the death of a 31-year-old physician from Ondo State, who succumbed to the disease shortly after returning from the United Kingdom.
The NCDC also noted that, as of March 2, 2025, there have been 535 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 98 deaths out of 2,728 suspected cases in 14 states throughout Nigeria.
The agency disclosed this in a public advisory on Sunday, March 9, stating, “On March 5, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was notified of a confirmed case of Lassa fever by the Ondo State Ministry of Health. The patient, a 31-year-old physician, was managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from a trip abroad (UK).”
NCDC reports death of physician after return from UK
According to the NCDC, the deceased physician travelled to the UK on February 19, returning to Nigeria on February 27. He developed symptoms and was admitted to a private facility in Ondo State, where samples were taken on February 28, but unfortunately, he passed away before the Lassa fever diagnosis was confirmed.
“The patient departed Nigeria on 19/02/2025 and returned on 27/02/2025. Samples were taken late on Friday, 28/02/2025, on suspicion of Lassa fever, but the patient unfortunately passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 01/03/2025.
“The laboratory investigation returned a result was Lassa Fever positive on PCR on Tuesday, 4 March.”
The health agency also pointed out that Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi States account for 91 per cent of Lassa fever infections.
In compliance with international health regulations, the NCDC has informed UK health authorities about the case.
UK monitors individuals after physician's Lassa fever case
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reportedly placed certain individuals under observation due to the physician’s recent travel history.
UKHSA reassured the public that the risk of Lassa fever spreading among people remains low, as the disease is not easily transmitted from person to person.
To aid in controlling the outbreak, the NCDC has intensified efforts in coordination with local and international health authorities.
The Ondo State Ministry of Health has implemented measures such as contact tracing and monitoring individuals who may have come into contact with the infected physician.
Additionally, Port Health Services have been engaged to monitor passengers who were on the same flight with the deceased.
What is Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease primarily spread through contact with infected rodents or contaminated food and household items. It can also spread in healthcare settings lacking proper infection control measures.
The virus's natural reservoir is the multimammate rat (African rat), but other rodents can also carry the virus.
Symptoms of Lassa fever include fever, headache, body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, and sore throat. In severe cases, bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings may occur.
NCDC calls for better hygiene, rodent control
The NCDC urged Nigerians to take necessary precautions, including keeping homes free of rodents, storing food in sealed containers, and maintaining good hygiene practices such as regular handwashing.
The agency also called on healthcare workers to follow infection prevention protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment and isolating confirmed cases.
"Preventing Lassa fever is a shared responsibility. Together, we can reduce the spread of this disease and save lives," the NCDC emphasised.
The agency also advised the public to report suspected cases to local Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers for immediate response and management.
WAHO urges stronger cooperation to tackle Lassa fever
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the health arm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urged stakeholders from across the health sector to collaborate in strengthening the region’s capacity to combat Lassa fever.
WAHO emphasised the need for sustainable, long-term preparedness that includes enhanced research, better coordination, and stronger health systems.