By Parrot Newspaper 
FG Tracks 357 Suspected Lassa Fever Cases After UK Returnee’s Death
By Parrot Newspaper
The Federal Government is closely monitoring 357 individuals suspected of being exposed to Lassa fever following the death of a 31-year-old physician who recently returned from the United Kingdom.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the deceased physician arrived in Nigeria on February 27, 2025, and passed away on March 1 after being treated at a private facility in Ondo State. Laboratory tests confirmed Lassa fever as the cause of death. Reports indicate that he had visited his fiancée in Edo State and met with family and friends before developing symptoms.
Rising Cases and Fatalities
Recent data from the NCDC shows that Nigeria has recorded 535 Lassa fever cases out of 2,728 suspected infections across 13 states and 75 local government areas. As of March 2, 2025, over 100 deaths have been reported, bringing the case fatality rate to 18.7%.
The outbreak remains most severe in Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states, which together account for 72% of all confirmed cases. The states most affected include:
Ondo: 168 cases, 21 deaths
Bauchi: 128 cases, 10 deaths
Edo: 93 cases, 15 deaths
Taraba: 83 cases, 26 deaths
Ebonyi, Kogi, Gombe, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Cross River, Delta, and Enugu have also reported cases and fatalities.
Seventeen healthcare workers have been infected this year, with the highest number in Ondo (eight cases), followed by Bauchi (four), Taraba (two), Gombe (two), and Edo (one).
Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is a deadly viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, with rodents—especially the multimammate rat—serving as natural hosts. The virus spreads through direct contact with rodent urine, feces, or contaminated food, as well as from person to person through bodily fluids.
The NCDC warns that Lassa fever is a year-round threat but peaks between October and May.
Government Response and Public Health Measures
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To contain the outbreak, the NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Incident Management System, coordinating efforts across multiple sectors. Health officials are tracing contacts of infected individuals and enhancing surveillance in affected regions.
The agency urges Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, store food securely, and report suspected cases immediately.
As the country battles the outbreak, the government faces mounting pressure to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and enhance disease control measures to prevent further loss of life.
FG Tracks 357 Suspected Lassa Fever Cases After UK Returnee’s Death