The Ogun State Government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever following the death of a 25-year-old female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Ijebu North Local Government Area.
The development has prompted health authorities to issue an alert and intensify surveillance efforts across the state.
According to a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, the index case involved a corps member who had fallen ill while in Ondo State and was brought to a secondary health facility in Ogun on March 18, 2025.
She was confirmed dead later that same day.
Dr. Coker disclosed that the state has now activated emergency response protocols and declared a Lassa fever outbreak in line with established public health guidelines.
She noted that the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, in collaboration with state health officials, has commenced heightened surveillance and community sensitisation to contain the spread.
“Any febrile illness unresponsive to malaria or antibiotics within 48 hours should raise suspicion of Lassa fever,” Dr. Coker warned. “We urge residents to seek immediate medical attention upon noticing symptoms such as high-grade fever, sore throat, vomiting, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding.”
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodent urine or faeces, remains a recurring health threat in several parts of Nigeria, particularly during the dry season.
Dr. Coker emphasized the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in both public and private health facilities, urging healthcare workers to maintain vigilance and comply with safety protocols.
She further advised that suspected cases should be promptly reported to the appropriate surveillance officers or via official state emergency contact numbers provided to all health centers.
The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration to safeguarding public health through timely responses and continuous monitoring of infectious diseases.
She added that ongoing awareness campaigns and mobilization efforts are being carried out to equip residents with the knowledge to prevent further transmission.
As of now, no additional cases have been confirmed, but health officials are urging residents, particularly in rural communities, to remain alert and adhere to hygiene practices such as proper food storage, rodent control, and the use of protective equipment by healthcare personnel.
The Ogun State Ministry of Health continues to coordinate with national health agencies to ensure swift containment and avoid escalation as the state intensifies its preparedness to mitigate future outbreaks.
