March 26, 2025
A member of National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, has died of Lassa fever at a secondary health facility in ljebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The 25-year-old female corp member who fell sick while in Ondo State, was brought to the health facility last Tuesday and later died same day.
In statement signed by the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, on Wednesday confirmed the death and the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.
“Ogun State has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever and as such declared Lassa fever outbreak.
“The index case is a 25-year-old female National Youth Corp member who fell sick while in Ondo State and was brought to on of our secondary health facility in ljebu North LGA on 18th March 2025 and later died same day.
READ MORE; Nigerian Doctor Dies Of Lassa Fever After UK Trip, NCDC Raises Surveillance Alert
“ 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.”
Coker advised members of the community to report to the nearest hospital if they noticed any of the listed symptoms.
“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.
READ MORE; Lassa Fever Outbreak Claims 13 Lives In Edo State.
“ 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 (0703-421-4893) or State Epidemiologist (0808-425-0881),” she added.
She further 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.
Coker, stated that the ministry in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team at ljebu North East have taken charge and monitoring the situation.