Dr. Tomi Coker, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, announced on Tuesday the declaration of a Lassa fever outbreak in the state.
This follows the unfortunate death of a 25-year-old female National Youth Service Corps member who fell ill in Ondo State and was subsequently brought to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area, where she passed away on March 18, 2025.
In her statement to the press on Wednesday, Commissioner Coker outlined the symptoms associated with Lassa fever, which include high-grade fever, headache, general weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from various body openings such as the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth.She urged residents to promptly report any individuals exhibiting these symptoms to the nearest government health facility for immediate medical attention. “Ogun State has confirmed a case of Lassa fever and has declared an outbreak.
The index case involved a 25-year-old female National Youth Corps member who got sick in Ondo State and was admitted to our secondary health facility in Ijebu North LGA on March 18, 2025, where she sadly died the same day,” Coker stated.She emphasized that any febrile illness that does not respond to treatment after 48 hours with anti-malarial or antibiotics should raise suspicion of Lassa fever.
Coker also called upon all public and private health facilities in Ogun State to enhance their Infection Prevention and Control measures, and to ensure their staff complies with these protocols.
Healthcare workers suspecting a case of Lassa fever are encouraged to contact their local government disease surveillance and notification officer (LGA DSNO) or reach out to the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer at 0703-421-4893 or the State Epidemiologist at 0808-425-0881.
The Ogun State Government is committed to safeguarding the health of its citizens through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases,” Coker added.
The Ministry of Health, along with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, is actively managing the situation with enhanced surveillance and community engagement for an effective response.
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