Ogun State has declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following the tragic death of a 25-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member at a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area. Lassa Fever Outbreak Confirmed in Ogun State According to an official statement released by the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, the deceased corps member had initially fallen ill while in Ondo State before being transferred to the Ogun healthcare facility on March 18, 2025. Sadly, she passed away on the same day. The Commissioner confirmed the outbreak, stating: “Ogun State has recorded a case of Lassa fever and is, therefore, declaring an outbreak of the disease. The index case is a 25-year-old female NYSC member who was brought to our facility after experiencing symptoms in Ondo State. Unfortunately, she did not survive.” What is Lassa Fever? Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness that can cause severe health complications, including: Public Health Advisory: Symptoms and Precautions Dr. Coker urged community members and healthcare workers to take necessary precautions. She advised anyone experiencing febrile symptoms that do not respond to malaria or antibiotic treatments within 48 hours to seek urgent medical attention. She also instructed all healthcare facilities in Ogun State—both public and private—to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and ensure strict compliance among staff. For suspected cases, medical practitioners should immediately contact: Government’s Response to Contain Lassa Fever The Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health. Dr. Coker stated that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, is actively working to contain the spread of the virus through enhanced surveillance, community engagement, and mobilization efforts. For more details about Lassa fever and preventive measures, visit the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) official website: NCDC Lassa Fever Guid READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
The Edo State Government has reported a total of 15 fatalities due to the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, which began in December 2024. Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, the Director of Public Health at the Edo State Ministry of Health, made this announcement on Tuesday in Benin. He addressed public concerns on social media, emphasizing the government’s proactive measures to combat the epidemic. Rising Cases of Lassa Fever in Edo State According to Dr. Ojeifo, Edo State has documented over 1,000 suspected cases of Lassa fever. Among these, 103 have tested positive for the virus. “So far, from the 103 confirmed cases, 15 people have lost their lives, while several others have successfully recovered following treatment,” he stated. Governor Monday Okpebholo has intensified disease surveillance and strengthened contact tracing to curb the spread. The government has also ensured the availability of essential medical supplies to manage the outbreak effectively. Late Referrals Contribute to High Mortality Rate Dr. Ojeifo highlighted that delayed referrals were a major factor in the high number of deaths, as many patients only sought treatment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) when their condition had worsened. “The challenge is that most patients arrive at ISTH when their health has significantly deteriorated. We are urging residents to seek medical help if they experience persistent fever that does not subside. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to survival,” he advised. He also called on healthcare workers to promptly refer suspected cases to authorized treatment centers, warning that hospitals treating Lassa fever patients without official clearance would face penalties. Mpox Cases Also Reported in Edo Beyond Lassa fever, the state has also recorded 11 suspected cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox), with five confirmed infections. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported, as all affected individuals received timely medical care. Preventive Measures and Public Awareness Residents are encouraged to adopt preventive measures, such as maintaining proper hygiene, storing food safely to prevent contamination, and avoiding contact with rodents, which are the primary carriers of the Lassa fever virus. For further details on Lassa fever symptoms and prevention, visit the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) official website: NCDC Lassa Fever READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
