By Capital Watch Media
At least 12 people have died from Lassa fever in Ondo State, with 112 confirmed cases recorded, authorities have reported.
The Statistician General of Ondo State, Olusola Ajayi, disclosed that a total of 353 suspected cases have been reported so far.
“In Ondo State today, there are 353 cases of Lassa fever. 112 have been confirmed. 12 bodies have died,” Ajayi stated.
Ajayi urged waste management authorities to intensify efforts to maintain cleanliness and reduce the spread of the disease.
“We have to act fast now because of this data that I’m going to give you,” he added.
The state government has called for a collaborative approach to curb the spread, involving health officials, sanitation workers, and other stakeholders.
“We are together in that business,” Ajayi emphasised.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola, also confirmed the rising cases.
“I would have loved to give you a specific number of deaths. We have recorded some deaths. We have 400 suspected cases and confirmed 100,” he said.
Health officials have continued to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to take preventive measures, including maintaining hygiene and avoiding rodent exposure.
Medical personnel in the state have been mobilised to manage the outbreak, with isolation centres set up for affected patients.
Health authorities are also working to provide necessary treatments and prevent further fatalities.
Residents have been advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, headaches, and bleeding.
“Early detection is key to survival,” a health official stated.
The Ondo State government has assured the public that it is intensifying response efforts to contain the outbreak.
Authorities are also engaging local communities to raise awareness about preventive measures.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with infected rodents or human-to-human transmission in severe cases.
The state health ministry continues to urge vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines.
