Lassa Fever outbreak: NCDC urges vigilance as death toll rises, Physician dies

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued an urgent call for heightened vigilance and preventative measures as the nation grapples with a concerning Lassa fever outbreak, which has claimed 98 lives, including a medical doctor, in 2025.

With the case fatality rate reaching a distressing 18.3% as of epidemiological week 9 (February 24 – March 2, 2025), the NCDC is emphasizing the critical need for Nigerians to maintain rodent-free environments and practice rigorous personal hygiene.

Director General Jide Idris highlighted the gravity of the situation, revealing that 535 confirmed cases have been recorded out of 2,728 suspected cases across 14 states. Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states account for a significant 91% of confirmed cases, with 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) contributing 68% of the total burden.

The death of a 31-year-old physician, who had recently returned from the United Kingdom, underscores the severity of the outbreak. Idris detailed the case, stating, “On the 5th of March 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was notified of a confirmed case of Lassa fever by the Ondo State Ministry of Health, in a 31-year-old physician managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from a trip abroad (UK).”

The physician, who had traveled to Edo State to visit his fiancée and also visited family and friends before his international trip, departed Nigeria on February 19th and returned on February 27th. Samples taken on suspicion of Lassa fever on February 28th returned positive on March 4th, tragically after his passing on March 1st.

In response, the Ondo State Ministry of Health has intensified contact tracing and monitoring. National health authorities have mobilized response efforts, including enhanced surveillance at points of entry and close collaboration with international health agencies, to contain the spread of the disease.

The NCDC strongly advises Nigerians to practice proper waste disposal, store food in airtight containers, and seal potential rodent entry points to minimize the risk of infection.