Ogun State has declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following the death of a 25-year-old female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The deceased, who had fallen ill in Ondo State, was brought to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area on March 18, 2025, but tragically passed away the same day.
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, who urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases promptly.
“Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic 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 the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings,” the statement read.
Dr. Coker advised that any fever-related illness not responding to malaria treatment or antibiotics within 48 hours should raise suspicion for Lassa fever. She further urged all healthcare facilities, both public and private, to strengthen infection prevention and control measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Healthcare workers suspecting a case of Lassa fever are encouraged to contact their local government disease surveillance officers or reach out to the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer at 0703-421-4893 or the State Epidemiologist at 0808-425-0881.
The Ogun State government, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, has assured citizens of its commitment to public health safety. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, is actively monitoring the situation through enhanced surveillance and community engagement.
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