Nigerian Doctor Dies of Lassa Fever After UK Trip, NCDC Raises Surveillance Alert
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old Nigerian physician from Lassa fever, prompting heightened surveillance measures to prevent further spread.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, revealed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the doctor, who had recently traveled to the United Kingdom, succumbed to the disease before his test results were confirmed.
The deceased physician traveled to the UK on February 19, 2025, and returned to Nigeria on February 27. Shortly after his return, he developed symptoms and was admitted to a private health facility in Ondo State, where he was tested for Lassa fever.
“Samples were taken on February 28, but unfortunately, he passed away on March 1, before the test results were available,” Idris stated. The NCDC confirmed the diagnosis on March 4, prompting urgent contact tracing and public health interventions.
Investigations revealed that the doctor had visited his fiancée in Edo State and interacted with family and friends before traveling to the UK.
“The NCDC has initiated extensive contact tracing efforts in Nigeria and the UK to mitigate any potential spread,” Idris added.
In collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, the NCDC has launched rigorous surveillance and infection control measures. Officials are closely monitoring all potential contacts, including family members, healthcare workers, and co-passengers from the flights he boarded.
“Port Health Services have intensified screening at entry points, especially airports, while UK health authorities are coordinating with us for cross-border tracking,” Idris said.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease, is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents’ urine, feces, or saliva. Human-to-human transmission can also occur in healthcare settings with inadequate infection control.
Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, control rodent populations, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
“The NCDC continues to monitor disease patterns and deploy rapid response teams to affected areas. Specialized treatment centers remain operational to provide care for severe cases,” he reassured.
Public awareness campaigns on rodent control, food safety, and early symptom detection remain ongoing as the NCDC strengthens preventive measures.
According to the latest NCDC epidemiological report, Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected Lassa fever cases in 2025, with 535 confirmed infections and 98 deaths across 14 states.
“The most affected local government areas include Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo,” Idris said.
Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states account for 91% of all confirmed cases. The current case fatality rate stands at 18.3%, highlighting the severity of the disease.
The tragic death of the Nigerian physician underscores the persistent threat of Lassa fever and its potential for international transmission. Health authorities are urging Nigerians to stay informed, adhere to preventive measures, and report suspected cases promptly.
