Ogun State Government has officially declared the outbreak of Lassa fever and urged all residents to be extra vigilant.
Officially confirming the outbreak of the disease, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, in a press statement, disclosed that the index case was a 25-year-old female National Youth Corps member had died.
The lady, name undisclosed fell ill while in Ondo State and was brought to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area on March 18, 2025, but sadly passed away the same day.
Dr. Coker however assured residents that the Ogun State Government was actively managing the situation, adding that the Ministry of Health and the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East had intensified surveillance, community engagement, and mobilisation to ensure an effective response.
She explained that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease with symptoms such as high-grade fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Dr. Coker noted that in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from body openings could occur.
“I hereby urge residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms, particularly if a fever does not improve within 48 hours of malaria or antibiotic treatment,” She added.
She further emphasised the need for heightening the precautions, calling on all public and private health facilities in Ogun State to step up infection prevention and control measures.
“Healthcare workers who suspect a case of Lassa fever should report immediately to their Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer or contact the State Epidemiologist through the designated helplines,” she advised.
While reiterating Ogun State Government’s commitment to safeguarding public health, the commissioner urged the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and report any suspected cases promptly.
