The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state, following the death of a 25-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member. The young woman, who initially fell ill in Ondo State, was brought to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Ogun State, where she passed away on March 18, 2025.
In a statement released to the press on Wednesday in Abeokuta, the state capital, Coker detailed the symptoms of Lassa Fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease, which include high-grade fever, headache, general body weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
Coker urged residents of the state to quickly report anyone exhibiting these symptoms to the nearest government health facility for immediate medical attention. She stressed the importance of early intervention, particularly if a febrile illness does not respond to 48 hours of anti-malaria or antibiotic treatment, as this should raise suspicion for Lassa Fever.
“Ogun State has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever and has officially declared an outbreak,” Coker said. “The index case is a 25-year-old female National Youth Corps member who became ill in Ondo State, was brought to one of our secondary health facilities in Ijebu North LGA on March 18, 2025, and unfortunately passed away on the same day.”
She also urged all public and private health facilities in Ogun State to reinforce infection prevention and control measures, ensuring that healthcare workers remain vigilant. Healthcare professionals who suspect Lassa Fever in a patient are advised to contact the Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (LGA DSNO), or the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (0703-421-4893), or the State Epidemiologist (0808-425-0881).
The Ogun State Government has assured residents that it remains committed to safeguarding public health through continuous surveillance and rapid response to infectious diseases. The Ministry of Health, alongside the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, is working to control the situation with enhanced surveillance and active community engagement.
