The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention is currently monitoring 357 individuals for potential exposure to Lassa fever. This follows the unfortunate passing of a 31-year-old doctor who contracted the disease after returning from the UK in February 2025.
After being treated at a private health facility in Ondo State, laboratory tests confirmed the doctor’s Lassa fever infection. The NCDC reported a total of 535 cases out of 2,728 suspected instances across 13 states and 75 local government areas. The fatality rate stood at 18.7%, with over 100 deaths recorded by March 2, 2025.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, primarily carried by the multimammate rat. The disease is prevalent year-round, with peak transmission occurring from October to May. Recent data indicated a decrease in new confirmed cases, with 29 cases reported in various states.
As of 2025, 17 healthcare workers have contracted Lassa fever, with the highest number of confirmed cases in Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states. The NCDC emphasized the activation of the National Lassa fever Incident Management System to coordinate response efforts effectively.