Lassa Fever Outbreak: 98 Dead, Including Doctor, as NCDC Urges Urgent Action
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over the rapid spread of Lassa fever, urging Nigerians to adopt strict hygiene measures and rodent control to curb the outbreak.
So far in 2025, the virus has claimed 98 lives, including that of a medical doctor, with an alarming case fatality rate of 18.3% as of epidemiological week 9 (February 24 – March 2, 2025).
NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, stressed the need for preventive measures such as proper waste disposal, sealing food in airtight containers and blocking rodent entry points.
Providing a breakdown of the outbreak, he revealed that Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases and 535 confirmed cases across 14 states, with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba and Ebonyi accounting for 91% of confirmed cases. Ten Local Government Areas (LGAs) contributed 68% of the total cases.
Idris also confirmed the tragic death of a 31-year-old physician who had recently returned from the United Kingdom.
“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 patient departed Nigeria on 19/02/2025 and returned on 27/02/2025. Samples were taken late on Friday, 28/02/2025, on suspicion of Lassa fever, but the patient unfortunately passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 01/03/2025.
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“The laboratory investigation result returned was a Lassa Fever positive on PCR on Tuesday 04/03/2025.
“The patient was said to have visited his fiancée in Edo State, as well as family and friends before travelling,” he said.
In response to the outbreak, the Ondo State Ministry of Health has intensified contact tracing and monitoring of all possible contacts. National health authorities have also mobilized surveillance at points of entry and are working closely with international health agencies to prevent further spread.
The NCDC continues to advise Nigerians to remain vigilant, emphasizing that early detection and strict hygiene practices remain crucial in combating the deadly virus.
