 has confirmed a new case of Lassa fever involving a 31-year-old doctor who had recently traveled to the United Kingdom.){kind=link}
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a new case of Lassa fever involving a 31-year-old doctor who had recently traveled to the United Kingdom.
NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, shared this information with journalists on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Idris, the patient was diagnosed in Ondo State but, unfortunately, passed away before the test results confirmed the infection.
He highlighted the need for increased vigilance and preventive measures, emphasizing that the case underscores the ongoing threat of Lassa fever in Nigeria and its potential for cross-border transmission.
The NCDC’s latest epidemiological report indicates that in 2025 alone, Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 535 confirmed cases and 98 deaths across 14 states.
“The case fatality rate currently stands at 18.3 per cent, underscoring the severity of the disease. Five states—Ondo (31 per cent), Bauchi (24 per cent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (16 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent)—account for 91 per cent of confirmed cases.
“The most affected local government areas include Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo,” he stated.
Providing further details, Idris revealed that the deceased physician had traveled to the UK on February 19, 2025, before returning to Nigeria on February 27.
Shortly after, he was admitted to a private hospital in Ondo State with symptoms consistent with Lassa fever.
“Samples were collected for testing on February 28, 2025, but the patient unfortunately passed away on March 1, 2025, before the test results were available. The NCDC confirmed the Lassa fever diagnosis on March 4, 2025,” Idris said.
Investigations revealed that before traveling to the UK, the deceased had visited his fiancée in Edo State and also met with family and friends. As a result, contact tracing has been launched in both Nigeria and the UK to prevent further spread.
In response, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, has intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and infection control efforts.
“The agency is currently identifying and monitoring all individuals who may have had contact with the deceased, including family members, healthcare workers, and fellow passengers on his flight.
“Additionally, Port Health Services have enhanced monitoring at airports and other points of entry, while collaboration with health authorities in the UK ensures international tracking of potential exposures,” Idris added.
He also reiterated key public health measures to curb the spread of the virus, urging Nigerians to practice good hygiene, control rodent populations, and seek early medical attention when symptoms appear.
Lassa fever, he explained, is a viral hemorrhagic disease primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine, saliva, or feces of infected rodents.
Human-to-human transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare settings with inadequate infection control.
The NCDC continues to monitor the disease, deploy rapid response teams to affected areas, and provide specialized treatment for severe cases.
Public awareness campaigns remain ongoing, educating communities on preventive measures such as proper food storage, rodent control, and early symptom recognition.
“Despite these efforts, Lassa fever remains a significant public health concern, with a high mortality rate and the potential for international spread, as demonstrated by this recent case,” Idris warned.