Lassa Fever Outbreak Confirmed in Ogun as NYSC Member Dies

Ogun State has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever following the death of a 25-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The female corps member, who initially fell ill while in Ondo State, was brought to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area on March 18, 2025. She died the same day.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, announced the outbreak in a statement on Wednesday. She explained that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease that presents with symptoms such as high fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from body openings.

Coker urged residents to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of these symptoms. She emphasized that any fever that does not respond to malaria or antibiotic treatment within 48 hours should be suspected as a potential Lassa fever case.

All health facilities in the state, both public and private, have been directed to strengthen infection prevention and control measures. Healthcare workers who suspect Lassa fever cases are advised to contact their local government disease surveillance officers or reach out to the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer at 0703-421-4893 or the State Epidemiologist at 0808-425-0881.

The commissioner reassured the public that the state government, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, remains committed to safeguarding public health. She noted that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, is actively managing the situation through enhanced surveillance, community engagement, and mobilization efforts.