How Ondo Medical Doctor Died Of Lassa Fever

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is tracking some passengers that boarded a plane with a medical doctor from the United Kingdom. The Doctor, on return,  later died of  Lassa fever.

NCDC has confirmed that   31-year-old doctor died of  Lassa fever.

In a public advisory issued on Monday, the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris said the doctor, who worked at a private health facility in Ondo State, had recently traveled to the United Kingdom, (UK) and returned home before succumbing to the illness.

‘’The patient departed Nigeria 19/02/2025 and returned 27/02/2025. Samples were taken late on Friday, 28/02/2025 on a suspicion of Lassa fever, but the patient unfortunately passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 01/03/2025.

“The laboratory investigation returned result was 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.”

Dr Idris stated that authorities are now tracking people who were in contact with him, including passengers on his flight, in order to prevent further spread of the disease.

Providing the latest statistics on Lassa Fever, the NCDC Director-General, reports that 535 cases of Lassa fever have been confirmed out of 2,728 suspected cases this year, resulting in 98 deaths.

Most cases are found in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states.

Dr. Idris advises the public to keep the environment clean, store food in sealed containers, cover dustbins, and block holes in their house to prevent rats from entering.

He also emphasized that people should avoid drying food in open spaces where rats can contaminate it, wash their hands regularly and keep good hygiene to help reduce the risk.

The NCDC officer urged those who experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or unusual bleeding to seek medical attention immediately, instead of self-medicating.

“Suspected cases should be reported via the NCDC toll-free number (6232) or the state health hotline.”

Dr Idris also reminded healthcare workers to follow safety protocols to prevent infections,  warning citizens about the dangers of living in rat-infested areas or handling food carelessly.

Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, spreads through contact with infected rats or through body fluids of infected individuals.

Early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates, even though initial symptoms may mimic malaria.