Ogun declares lassa fever outbreak as corps member dies

The Ogun State Government has declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following the death of a 25-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, confirmed that the deceased corps member had fallen ill in Ondo State before being transferred to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area (LGA) on March 18, 2025. Sadly, he passed away the same day.

Dr. Coker described Lassa fever as a viral hemorrhagic disease with symptoms such as high fever, headaches, general body weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from body openings.

She urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms, warning that any fever that does not respond to malaria treatment or antibiotics within 48 hours should raise suspicion of Lassa fever.

“We implore all health facilities in Ogun State, both public and private, to intensify infection prevention and control measures and ensure compliance by all staff,” she said.

Healthcare workers who suspect Lassa fever in a patient have been advised to contact their Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (LGA DSNO) or reach out to the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer at 0703-421-4893 or the State Epidemiologist at 0808-425-0881.

Dr. Coker assured the public that the state government remains committed to safeguarding residents’ health through continuous surveillance and a swift response to infectious disease outbreaks.

“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, is actively managing the situation with enhanced surveillance, community engagement, and mobilization for an effective response,” she added.

This unfortunate development comes at a time when the Federal Government has just begun disbursing the new N77,000 monthly allowance to NYSC corps members.