NCDC Affirms UK Returnee’s Lassa Fever Death, Toll Reaches 98

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old physician who fell victim to Lassa fever following his return from the United Kingdom.

The agency reported that the cumulative number of Lassa fever cases has risen to 535 out of 2,728 suspected cases, with 98 deaths recorded across 14 states in Nigeria as of March 2, 2025.

The NCDC disclosed this in a public advisory shared yesterday, which stated that it was notified of a confirmed case of Lassa fever by the Ondo State Ministry of Health. The statement revealed that the patient, a 31-year-old physician, was managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from a trip abroad (UK).

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. The natural reservoir for the virus is the multimammate rat (also known as the African rat), although other rodents can also act as carriers.

The public health institute stated that Lassa fever cases occur year-round, with peak transmission periods typically from October to May.