Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever in the state following the death of a 25-year-old female National Youth Service Corps member.
Coker, in a statement issued on Wednesday, revealed that the deceased fell ill in Ondo State and was brought to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area on March 18, 2025. She, however, did not survive.
“Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease that presents with symptoms such as high-grade fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth,” Coker stated.
She urged residents to remain vigilant and report anyone exhibiting these symptoms to the nearest government health facility.
“Any febrile illness that does not respond to malaria treatment or antibiotics within 48 hours should be suspected as a possible case of Lassa fever,” she warned.
The Commissioner called on public and private health facilities to strengthen infection prevention and control measures. She also advised healthcare workers to contact their local government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer if they suspect a case.
“The Ogun State Government is committed to safeguarding public health through continuous surveillance and swift response to infectious diseases,” Coker assured.
According to her, the state’s health ministry is working alongside the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East to monitor the situation and engage communities for an effective response.
