By Capital Watch Media
A 25-year-old female member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has died from Lassa fever, prompting Ogun State authorities to declare an outbreak of the disease.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, urging residents to be vigilant and report symptoms promptly.
“The index case is a 25-year-old female National Youth Corps member who fell sick while in Ondo State and was brought to one of our secondary health facilities in Ijebu North Local Government Area on 18th March 2025. Sadly, she passed away the same day,” Dr Coker stated.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. It can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids.
Symptoms of the disease include high-grade fever, headache, body weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from body openings.
Dr Coker advised anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately, especially if their fever does not respond to malaria treatment within 48 hours.
“We implore members of the community to report to the hospital if they notice any of these symptoms. Any febrile illness that does not respond to malaria or antibiotics within 48 hours should raise suspicion of Lassa fever,” she added.
The commissioner urged all health facilities, both public and private, to implement strict infection prevention and control measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Health workers who suspect a Lassa fever case are advised to contact their local government disease surveillance and notification officer or call the state disease surveillance team for immediate intervention.
Dr Coker reiterated the Ogun State government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through continuous monitoring and rapid response to infectious disease outbreaks.
She assured the public that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North, was actively managing the situation with enhanced surveillance and community engagement.
Residents were also urged to take preventive measures, such as keeping their surroundings clean, avoiding contact with rodents, and ensuring food is properly stored.
Authorities emphasised that early detection and prompt treatment improve the chances of survival, as Lassa fever can be fatal if left untreated.
The Ogun State government called on the public to avoid self-medication and instead visit designated health facilities for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Coker encouraged community leaders to assist in raising awareness about the disease to prevent further spread and fatalities.
Health officials are working closely with federal agencies and partners to contain the outbreak and provide necessary support to affected communities.
