The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old physician who recently traveled to the United Kingdom after contracting Lassa fever.
It said the patient passed away in the early hours of March 5, 2025.
In an advisory signed by NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, the agency stated that the Ondo State Ministry of Health notified it of the case after the doctor was treated at a private health facility in the state.
The physician had traveled to the UK on February 19 and returned on February 27 and shortly after he returned, developed symptoms, prompting a medical examination.
Samples were collected on February 28 on suspicion of Lassa fever, and results confirmed the infection on March 4.
Investigations revealed that before traveling, the deceased had visited his fiancee in Edo State and also spent time with family and friends, raising concerns about potential exposure.
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Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rats.
As of March 2, Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases, with 535 confirmed infections and 98 deaths across 14 states.
Five states, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi account for 91% of confirmed cases.
The NCDC DG says the centre has activated response measures, including case management, contact tracing, and enhanced surveillance in affected states.
The agency is also urging Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, store food properly, and avoid contact with rodents to prevent further spread of the disease.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
