By Zara Maisango
The Ogun State government has confirmed a Lassa fever outbreak following the tragic death of a 25-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Ijebu North Local Government Area.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, the deceased corps member initially fell ill in Ondo State before being transferred to a secondary health facility in Ogun on March 18, 2025. Unfortunately, she succumbed to the disease on the same day.
Lassa fever, a highly contagious viral hemorrhagic disease, presents symptoms such as persistent high fever, severe headaches, sore throat, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
Commissioner Coker urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience these symptoms, particularly if a fever does not subside after 48 hours of malaria or antibiotic treatment. She also called on healthcare facilities to heighten infection prevention measures and promptly report suspected cases to designated disease surveillance officers.
Reassuring the public, the Ogun State government emphasized its commitment to containing the outbreak through enhanced monitoring, community engagement, and rapid response efforts to curb further spread.