NCDC Confirms Death Of UK Returnee From Lassa Fever As Fatalities Reach 98

NCDC Confirms Death Of UK Returnee From Lassa Fever As Fatalities Reach 98

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported the death of a 31-year-old physician who contracted Lassa fever after returning from the United Kingdom…….READ MORE

According to NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, the Ondo State Ministry of Health notified the agency on March 5, 2025, of a confirmed case involving the doctor, who was treated at a private health facility. The patient had left Nigeria on February 19 and returned on February 27. Samples were collected on February 28 after Lassa fever was suspected, but the patient succumbed to the illness in the early hours of March 1.

Laboratory tests later confirmed the case as Lassa fever on March 4. Investigations revealed that the patient had visited his fiancée in Edo State and spent time with family and friends before traveling.

To contain the outbreak, the Ondo State Ministry of Health has intensified efforts in contact tracing and monitoring. The NCDC has also activated national response structures to track potential contacts, while international tracing efforts are ongoing in the UK under global health regulations.

As of epidemiological week 9 (February 24 – March 2, 2025), the NCDC has recorded 98 deaths, 535 confirmed cases, and 2,728 suspected cases across 14 states, with a case fatality rate of 18.3%.

Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi account for 91% of confirmed cases, with Ondo leading at 31%. Ten local government areas, including Owo, Akure South, and Etsako West, contribute to 68% of confirmed cases.