PHYSICIAN , 98 OTHERS DIE OF LASSA FEVER IN NIGERIA

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

Thirty one   (31) years old medical doctor who returned from the United Kingdom UK and 98 others have died of Lassa fever disease.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed this report claiming that the UK returnee, a 31 yr old medical doctor died of the ailment.

This was disclosed in a statement from NCDC and a report from a news agency of March 10, 2025.

The report states: “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the death of a 31-year-old physician who succumbed to Lassa fever after returning from the United Kingdom.

The agency also 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, which disclosed this in a public advisory on Sunday, stated, “On March 5, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was notified of a confirmed case of Lassa fever by the Ondo State Ministry of Health.

The patient, a 31-year-old physician, was managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from a trip abroad (UK).

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

“Laboratory investigation confirmed the result as Lassa fever-positive through PCR testing on Tuesday, 04/03/2025.

The patient was reported to have visited his fiancée in Edo State, as well as family and friends, before travelling.”Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic 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.

“As of Epi-week 9 (February 24, to March 2, 2025), a total of 2,728 suspected cases, 535 confirmed cases, and 98 deaths have been recorded across 14 states in Nigeria, with a case fatality rate of 18.3 per cent.

“Five states account for 91 per cent of confirmed cases: Ondo (31 per cent), Bauchi (24 per cent), Edo (17 per cent), Taraba (16 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent).

“Ten local government areas make up 68 per cent of confirmed cases, namely: Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo.”

Meanwhile, to strengthen both national and international coordination efforts, the Ondo State Ministry of Health has intensified control measures, including contact tracing and listing all individuals who had contact with the confirmed case.

The NCDC added that all necessary in-country structures had been mobilised to ensure proper monitoring of contacts.

Port Health Services are involved in tracing in-flight contacts to bolster surveillance at points of entry, and information has been shared with relevant authorities in line with the International Health Regulations (2005).

Contact tracing efforts are also ongoing in the UK.

Lassa fever is transmitted through direct contact with the urine, faeces, saliva, or blood of infected rodents; ingestion of food or drinks contaminated with the bodily fluids of infected rats; and contact with contaminated objects, household items, or surfaces.

Person-to-person transmission can also occur through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control practices are inadequate.

Lassa fever initially presents with symptoms similar to other common febrile illnesses, such as malaria.

Symptoms include headache, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, sore throat, and, in severe cases, bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.

“Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment significantly improve patient survival rates. Prompt reporting of symptoms ensures timely intervention, thereby increasing the chances of survival,” the NCDC stated

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted through contact with infected rodents, their urine, or feces. The disease is common in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.

Symptoms
*Fever:  High temperature, often accompanied by headache, muscle pain, and weakness.

*Vomiting: Severe vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.

. *Diarrhea: Frequent diarrhea, which can also contribute to dehydration.

*Abdominal pain:  Severe abdominal pain, which can be accompanied by bleeding.

*Bleeding:  Bleeding from the mouth, nose, and other parts of the body.

Transmission
*Contact with infected rodents*: Touching or eating food contaminated with the urine or feces of infected rodents.

*Contaminated food and water*: Consuming food or water contaminated with the virus.

*Person-to-person transmission*: Rarely, the virus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids.

Prevention
*Avoid contact with rodents*: Keep homes clean, store food in rodent-proof containers, and avoid touching or handling rodents.

*Use protective gear*: Wear gloves, masks, and protective clothing when handling potentially contaminated materials.

*Practice good hygiene*: Wash hands frequently, especially after handling food or coming into contact with potentially contaminated materials.

Treatment
*Early diagnosis*: Prompt medical attention is essential for effective treatment.

*Antiviral medication*: Ribavirin is the most effective antiviral medication for treating Lassa fever.

*Supportive care*: Patients may require supportive care, such as fluid replacement, oxygen therapy, and management of bleeding.

Statistics
*Mortality rate*: The mortality rate for Lassa fever can range from 1% to 50%, depending on the severity of the disease and the quality of care received.

*Annual cases*: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 100,000 to 300,000 cases of Lassa fever annually, with about 5,000 deaths.

Outbreaks
*Nigeria*: Nigeria has experienced several Lassa fever outbreaks, with the most recent one occurring in 2020.

*Other countries*: Lassa fever outbreaks have also been reported in other West African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.