26th March 2025.
The Ogun State Government has declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following the death of a 25-year-old female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, confirmed the outbreak in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the deceased corps member had fallen ill in Ondo State before being brought to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area, where she passed away on March 18, 2025.
Dr. Coker described Lassa fever as a viral hemorrhagic disease that manifests with symptoms such as high fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrheic, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from body openings like the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth.
Government’s Response and Public Advisory The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report suspected cases to the nearest government health facility for swift medical intervention.
She stated, “Ogun State has confirmed a case of Lassa fever and, as such, officially declares an outbreak. We implore members of the community to be aware of the symptoms and report any suspected cases promptly. Any fever that does not respond to anti-malaria or antibiotics within 48 hours should raise suspicion for Lassa fever.”
Dr. Coker further advised public and private healthcare facilities in the state to strengthen Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures. She encouraged healthcare workers to remain cautious and report suspected cases to their Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (LGA DSNO). The state has also provided direct contact numbers for reporting cases:
State DSNO: 0703-421-4893
State Epidemiologist: 0808-425-0881
Ogun State Government’s Preparedness The Commissioner reassured residents that the government remains committed to protecting public health through continuous surveillance and rapid response efforts. She stated that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, has intensified monitoring and community mobilization efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
“The Ogun State Government is actively working to contain the situation. We encourage all residents to practice good hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek medical attention at the earliest sign of illness,” she added.
Lassa fever, a viral disease transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or fasces, remains a public health concern in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season. Residents are advised to take preventive measures seriously to avoid further spread.
