By Deborah Nnamdi
The Ogun State government has confirmed the outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state following the death of a National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member.
The 25-year-old corp member reportedly died from Lassa fever at a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The female corps member, who had fallen ill while in Ondo State, was brought to the facility last Tuesday and passed away on the same day.
This information was discussed in a statement issued to the press and signed by the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, on Wednesday.
Coker also confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.
The statement reads, “Ogun State has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever and as such declared Lassa fever outbreak.
“The index case is a 25-year-old female National Youth Corp member who fell sick while in Ondo State and was brought to one of our secondary health facilities in Ijebu North LGA on 18th March 2025 and later died the same day.
“ Lassa fever is a viral Haemorrhagic disease that presents with High-grade fever, Headache, General body weakness, Sore throat, Muscle pain, Cough, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Chest pain, and Unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings.”
“We implore members of the community to promptly report to the hospital if they notice any of these symptoms. Any case of febrile illness that has not responded to 48 hours of use of anti-malaria or antibiotics should raise an index of suspicion for Lassa fever!
“We implore all Health facilities in Ogun State, public and private, to step up Infection Prevention and Control measures and to encourage compliance by all health facility staff.
“ Healthcare worker that suspects Lassa fever in a patient are advised to call their local government disease surveillance and notification officer (LGA DSNO), whose numbers are placed in our health facilities, or call the doctor State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer or State Epidemiologist ” she added.
The commissioner, however, reiterated the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s dedication to protecting the health of the citizens through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases.
She added that the ministry, in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team at Ijebu North and East, is keeping the situation under control with enhanced surveillance and community engagement and mobilization for effective response.
