The Ogun state government has declared the outbreak of lassa fever, just as one 25-year-old corps member became first casualty.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, in a statement on Wednesday, said the corps member fell sick while in Ondo state, but was brought to the secondary health facility in ljebu North Local Government Area (LGA) March 18, 2025 and later died same day.
She noted that, lassa fever is a viral Haemorrhagic disease 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 as its 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 antencourage 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 (0703-421-4893) or State Epidemiologist (0808-425-0881)”, she said.
Coker however, assured that the state government remains dedicated to protecting the health of the citizens through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases.
“The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team at ljebu North East are keeping situation under control with enhanced surveillance and community engagement and mobilization for effective response”, she added.