Lassa Fever Spreads To Ogun, Kills NYSC Member

By Ayodele Oni

Ogun State Government has confirmed the spread of Lassa fever to the State with the first casualty being a 25-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). She reportedly died of the fever at a secondary health facility in ljebu North Local Government Area of the State.

The female corp member, who reportedly fell sick while in Ondo State, was brought to the health facility last Tuesday and later died same day.

This was confirmed  in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, on Wednesday.

The statement reads: “Ogun State has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever and, as such, declared Lassa fever outbreak. 25-year-old female National Youth Corp member who fell sick while in Ondo State and was brought to one of our secondary health facility in ljebu North LGA on 18th March 2025 and later died same day.

“Lassa fever is a viral Haemorrhagic disease that presents with high grade fever, headache, general body weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, chest pain and unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings.

“We implore members of the community to promptly report to the hospital if they notice any of these symptoms. Any case of febrile illness that has not responded to 48 hours use of anti-malaria or antibiotics should raise an index of suspicion for Lassa fever!

“We implore all Health facilities in Ogun State, public and private, to step up Infection Prevention and Control measures and to encourage compliance by all health facility staff.

“Healthcare worker that suspects Lassa fever in a patient, are advised to call their local government disease surveillance and notification officer (LGA DSNO) whose numbers are placed in our health facilities or call State Disease surveillance and Notification Officer.

The commissioner, however reiterated the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s dedication to protecting the health of the citizens through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases.

She added that the ministry in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team at ljebu North East is keeping the situation under control with enhanced surveillance and community engagement and mobilization for effective response.