NCDC Confirms Lassa Fever D+ath of Nigerian Doctor, Raises International Alert
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the d+ath of a 31-year-old physician from Lassa fever in Ondo State, shortly after returning from a trip to the United Kingdom.
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, revealed that the doctor developed symptoms, was admitted to a private facility, and passed away on March 1, 2025—before test results confirmed the infection on March 4.
The case has triggered heightened surveillance due to its international exposure risk. Contact tracing efforts are underway in both Nigeria and the UK to monitor those who may have been exposed, including family members, healthcare workers, and fellow travelers.
Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases and 535 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in 2025, with 98 deaths reported across 14 states. The most affected states—Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi—account for 91% of infections. The current fatality rate stands at 18.3%.
Before his illness, the deceased doctor visited his fiancée in Edo State and interacted with friends and family, raising concerns about further spread. Authorities have intensified monitoring at airports, while UK health officials are assisting with cross-border tracking.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease, spreads through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodent secretions. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly in healthcare settings with p@@r infection control.
The NCDC has deployed response teams to affected areas, strengthened public health messaging on hygiene and rodent control, and reinforced the importance of early detection and treatment. Despite ongoing efforts, the agency warns that Lassa fever remains a serious public health thr+at with the potential for international spread.
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