The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old doctor in Ondo State due to Lassa fever, marking a worrying escalation in the country’s ongoing battle against the deadly disease. The deceased, who had just returned from the United Kingdom, succumbed to the viral haemorrhagic fever shortly after being admitted to a private health facility.

According to a public advisory issued by the NCDC on Sunday, the physician had travelled to the UK on February 19, 2025, and returned to Nigeria on February 27. However, he soon developed symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever, prompting medical personnel to collect samples on February 28. Tragically, he passed away in the early hours of March 1, even before the test results, which later confirmed the infection, were available.

The NCDC further revealed that prior to his hospitalisation, the doctor had visited his fiancée in Edo State, as well as family and friends, raising concerns about potential exposure and transmission.

Surge in Lassa Fever Cases Across Nigeria

The latest fatality comes amid a surge in Lassa fever cases nationwide. Vanguard reports that as of March 2, 2025, the country had recorded 535 confirmed cases and 98 deaths out of 2,728 suspected cases across 14 states.

The NCDC’s data shows that five states—Ondo (31%), Bauchi (24%), Edo (17%), Taraba (16%), and Ebonyi (3%)—account for a staggering 91% of all confirmed cases. Additionally, ten local government areas, including Owo, Akure South, and Akoko South-West in Ondo State, make up 68% of the reported cases.

Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the urine, faeces, or bodily fluids of infected multimammate rats. However, human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in healthcare settings with poor infection control measures. The disease often mimics other common febrile illnesses such as malaria, with symptoms ranging from fever, cough, and muscle pains to severe complications like internal bleeding and organ failure.

Ondo State Steps Up Surveillance

Following the doctor’s death, the Ondo State Ministry of Health has intensified containment efforts, including extensive contact tracing of all individuals who had interactions with the deceased. Vanguard gathered that both national and international health authorities, including Port Health Services, are monitoring potential in-flight contacts, while international coordination is ongoing to track exposures in the UK.

The NCDC assured Nigerians that all necessary response structures had been activated to curb further spread. “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, experts are urging heightened vigilance. The public is advised to adopt preventive measures such as proper food storage, rodent control, and adherence to strict hygiene practices to minimise the risk of infection.