From Staff Writer
Ogun State is on high alert following the confirmed outbreak of Lassa fever, with a tragic death reported in the Ijebu North Local Government Area. A 25-year-old female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) succumbed to the disease after being admitted to a secondary healthcare facility on 18th March 2025.
The young woman, who had fallen ill while in Ondo State, was rushed to the health centre last Tuesday. Sadly, she passed away on the same day. The incident was confirmed by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, in a statement released to the press.
“Lassa fever has now been confirmed in Ogun State, and we are declaring an official outbreak,” Coker said. “The index case involves a 25-year-old female NYSC member who had symptoms while in Ondo State and was admitted to a health facility in Ijebu North on the 18th of March, but tragically passed away later that day.”
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease, presenting with a range of severe symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, and vomiting. In more serious cases, patients may experience unexplained bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or other body openings.
In her statement, Coker urged the public to be vigilant and report any cases of illness that align with the symptoms of Lassa fever, particularly if the patient has not responded to standard treatments like anti-malaria or antibiotics within 48 hours.
“We ask the community to report to the hospital immediately if they experience any of these symptoms,” Coker added. “Any febrile illness that doesn’t improve after 48 hours should raise concern for Lassa fever.”
The health commissioner also stressed the importance of strict infection prevention measures in all health facilities, both public and private, across the state. Healthcare workers who suspect a case of Lassa fever are advised to promptly contact local or state disease surveillance officers.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the health of Ogun residents through continuous surveillance and swift action in response to infectious disease outbreaks.
The Ogun State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, is actively managing the situation with enhanced surveillance and community engagement efforts to curb further spread of the virus.
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