Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state, with one fatality reported.
The victim, a 25-year-old female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, fell ill in Ondo State and was subsequently brought to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area, where she died on March 18, 2025.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Dr. Coker listed the symptoms of Lassa Fever as high fever, headache, body weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
She urged residents to report anyone displaying these symptoms to the nearest government health facility for immediate medical attention.
“Ogun State has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever, and we have declared an outbreak. The index case is a 25-year-old NYSC member who passed away on the same day she was admitted,” Dr. Coker said.
She emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention for any unexplained fever that doesn’t respond to anti-malarial treatment or antibiotics within 48 hours.
The Commissioner also urged all healthcare facilities, both public and private, to reinforce infection prevention and control measures and to encourage staff compliance. Healthcare workers suspecting Lassa Fever are advised to contact local disease surveillance officers or the state epidemiologist.
Dr. Coker reassured the public that the Ogun State Government is committed to safeguarding public health through enhanced surveillance and a prompt response to infectious diseases.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, is actively managing the situation with increased surveillance and community engagement to ensure an effective response.
