A 31-year-old doctor in Ondo State has died from Lassa fever, marking a concerning development in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against the disease. The physician, who had recently returned from the United Kingdom, succumbed to viral hemorrhagic fever shortly after being admitted to a private hospital.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the fatality and issued a public advisory on Sunday. According to the NCDC, the doctor traveled to the UK on February 19, 2025, and returned to Nigeria on February 27. Just days later, he began experiencing symptoms consistent with Lassa fever. Medical personnel collected samples on February 28, but he passed away in the early hours of March 1, before the test results confirming the infection were available.
The NCDC noted that before his hospitalization, the doctor had visited his fiancée in Edo State and had spent time with family and friends, raising concerns about potential exposure and transmission.
Nationwide Surge in Lassa Fever Cases
This tragic death comes as Lassa fever cases continue to rise across Nigeria. As of March 2, 2025, the country has recorded 535 confirmed cases and 98 deaths from 2,728 suspected cases across 14 states, according to Vanguard.
The NCDC’s data shows that five states—Ondo (31%), Bauchi (24%), Edo (17%), Taraba (16%), and Ebonyi (3%)—account for 91% of all confirmed cases. In addition, ten local government areas, including Owo, Akure South, and Akoko South-West in Ondo State, account for 68% of the reported cases.
Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, primarily spreads through direct contact with the urine, faeces, or bodily fluids of infected rats, particularly the multimammate rat. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in healthcare settings with poor infection control measures. The disease shares symptoms with other common febrile illnesses like malaria, with signs ranging from fever, cough, and muscle pain to severe complications like internal bleeding and organ failure.
Ongoing Efforts to Contain the Outbreak
In response to the doctor’s death, the Ondo State Ministry of Health has ramped up efforts to contain the spread of Lassa fever. This includes intensive contact tracing of all individuals who interacted with the deceased. Both national and international health authorities, including Port Health Services, are closely monitoring potential in-flight contacts, while global coordination is underway to track potential exposures in the UK.
The NCDC reassured the public that all necessary response measures are in place to prevent further spread of the virus. “Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment significantly improve survival rates. Prompt reporting of symptoms ensures timely intervention, thereby increasing the chances of survival,” the agency stated.
With the peak transmission season for Lassa fever running from October to May, health experts are urging increased vigilance. The public is advised to follow preventive measures such as proper food storage, rodent control, and rigorous hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection.
