Ogun State, Nigeria has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever following the death of a 25-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member at a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that the deceased corps member had fallen ill while in Ondo State before being brought to Ogun for treatment on March 18, 2025. She, however, 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, diarrhea, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from body openings,” the statement read.
Coker urged residents to seek medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms, emphasizing that febrile illnesses unresponsive to anti-malarial or antibiotic treatments within 48 hours should raise suspicion of Lassa fever.
The commissioner also directed all public and private health facilities in the state to reinforce infection prevention and control measures. She encouraged healthcare workers to report suspected cases to local government disease surveillance officers or contact the state’s Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer via designated emergency lines.
Reassuring the public, Coker reiterated the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to safeguarding public health. She disclosed that the state’s health ministry, in collaboration with a Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, is actively monitoring the situation, enhancing surveillance efforts, and engaging local communities for an effective response.
