The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has listed 357 individuals for follow-up over potential Lassa fever exposure after the death of a 31-year-old physician who returned from the United Kingdom on February 27, 2025. The physician, who had visited a private health facility in Ondo State upon his return, passed away on March 1, 2025, and was later confirmed to be infected with Lassa fever through PCR testing on March 4, 2025.
Before his death, the physician reportedly visited his fiancée in Edo State, as well as family and friends, which increases the concern for potential spread. This incident has led to the identification of 535 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria, with over 2,700 suspected cases across 13 states and 75 local government areas (LGAs). The current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 18.7%, with over 100 fatalities recorded by March 2, 2025.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease primarily transmitted by the multimammate rat (also known as the African rat) and other rodents. The NCDC noted that Lassa fever cases occur year-round but typically peak from October to May.
As of March 2025, the majority of confirmed cases have been reported in Ondo (31%), Bauchi (24%), and Edo (17%) states. The NCDC also highlighted that healthcare workers have been significantly affected, with 17 cases recorded in 2025, including eight in Ondo, four in Bauchi, and others in Edo, Taraba, and Gombe states.
The NCDC’s response to the outbreak includes activating the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System to coordinate efforts and provide support at all levels of government. Efforts are also being made to track contacts and contain further spread of the virus.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of Lassa fever to health authorities promptly to prevent further transmission of the disease.
