Lassa fever kills UK returnee as death toll hits 98

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced the death of a 31-year-old physician who tested positive for Lassa fever after returning from the United Kingdom (UK).

The NCDC announced this via a public advisory signed by its Director General, Dr Jide Idris, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

The NCDC stated that 98 deaths have been recorded across 14 states in Nigeria, as of March 2, out of 535 cumulative Lassa fever cases from 2,728 suspected cases.

It said: “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).

“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.

“Laboratory investigation confirmed the result as Lassa fever-positive through PCR testing on Tuesday, 04/03/2025. The patient was reported to have visited his fiancée in Edo State, as well as family and friends, before travelling.”

The agency disclosed that the Ondo State Ministry of Health has commenced contact tracing and line listing of contacts of the confirmed case, with a view to control and manage further spread of the disease.

Lassa fever kills 80 in one week

The NCDC added: “All necessary in-country structures have been mobilized to ensure all possible contacts are traced and monitored. Communicated to the Port Health Services to support contact tracing and line listing of contacts and bolster surveillance efforts at the point of entries and exists (information include patient’s biodata, flight details etc. shared).

“Information shared with all relevant authorities in line with the International Health Regulations (2005), and contact tracing efforts also on-going in the UK.”

While stating that Lassa fever cases occur year-round, with peak transmission periods typically from October to May, the NCDC reminded Nigerians that Lassa fever was an acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus.

The natural reservoir for the virus is the multimammate rat also known as the African rat, although other rodents can also act as carriers, it stated.

The agency noted: “As of Epi-week 9 (February 24, to March 2, 2025), a total of 2,728 suspected cases, 535 confirmed cases, and 98 deaths have been recorded across 14 states in Nigeria, with a case fatality rate of 18.3 per cent.

“Five states account for 91 per cent of confirmed cases: Ondo (31 per cent), Bauchi (24 per cent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (16 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent).

“Ten local government areas make up 68 per cent of confirmed cases, namely: Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo.”

The Star