A YOUNG NIGERIAN doctor has died of Lassa fever after returning from the United Kingdom, reigniting concerns over the persistent threat posed by the disease. His death brings the total number of fatalities to 98 in 2025, as confirmed cases continue to rise across the country.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued an alert, stressing the need for heightened surveillance and preventive measures.
The Explainer gathered that the 31-year-old physician had travelled to the UK on 19 February 2025 and returned to Nigeria on 27 February. Shortly after his arrival, he developed symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever and was admitted to a private health facility in Ondo State. Samples were taken for testing on 28 February, but before the results were confirmed, he succumbed to the disease on 1 March. On 4 March, the NCDC officially diagnosed the case as Lassa fever, raising concerns about possible exposure to those he had come in contact with.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, described the case as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by Lassa fever and its potential for international transmission.
“The current case fatality rate stands at 18.3 per cent, which highlights the severity of this disease,” he stated.
The Explainer learned that prior to his UK trip, the deceased physician had visited his fiancée in Edo State and had also spent time with family and friends, increasing the likelihood of further infections.
The NCDC’s latest epidemiological report shows that Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases of Lassa fever in 2025 alone, with 535 confirmed infections across 14 states. Five states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—account for 91 per cent of all cases.
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The most affected areas include Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo. Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted by infected rodents, has been a recurring health crisis in Nigeria, with outbreaks peaking between October and May each year.
In response to the latest fatality, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, has intensified contact tracing efforts to identify and monitor all individuals who may have been exposed.
“The agency is closely following up on family members, healthcare workers, and co-passengers on his flights to ensure that any potential transmission is swiftly contained,” Idris confirmed.
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Surveillance has been heightened at Nigeria’s airports, and the UK health authorities have been notified to track potential exposures across borders.
The Explainer gathered that Lassa fever remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with its high fatality rate and lack of a widely available vaccine complicating containment efforts. The disease is commonly spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. It can also be transmitted from person to person, especially in healthcare settings where infection control measures are inadequate.
Symptoms of Lassa fever often resemble those of malaria, making early diagnosis difficult.
“Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment significantly improve survival rates,” the NCDC emphasised, warning that severe cases can lead to haemorrhaging, organ failure, and death.
The public has been urged to take preventive measures, including improved sanitation, rodent control, and immediate medical attention for symptoms suggestive of the disease.
