Ola Akinwunmi
The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, officially declared the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state. The viral hemorrhagic disease has already taken a grim toll, claiming the life of a 25-year-old female National Youth Service Corps member.
The young corper, who fell gravely ill while in Ondo State, was rushed to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government. Despite prompt medical intervention, she succumbed to the disease on 18th March 2025, revealing the virulent nature of the outbreak.
Dr. Coker detailed the alarming array of symptoms associated with Lassa fever, which include: High-grade fever, severe headache and general body weakness, sore throat and muscle pain, cough, nausea, and vomiting, diarrhoea and chest pain, unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings.
The Commissioner emphasized the urgency of early detection and urged residents to immediately report anyone displaying these symptoms to the nearest government health facility. “Any case of febrile illness that has not responded to 48 hours of anti-malaria or antibiotic treatment should raise an index of suspicion for Lassa fever,” Dr. Coker warned.
In a call to action, all health facilities in Ogun State—both public and private—have been directed to intensify infection prevention and control measures. Healthcare workers are advised to immediately contact local government disease surveillance officers or the designated state epidemiological contacts if they suspect a case of Lassa fever.
The Ogun State Government has committed to protecting its citizens by enhancing surveillance and mobilizing community engagement efforts. Collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East is already underway, aiming to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of this life-threatening disease.
As the situation unfolds, state authorities and health professionals are leaving no stone unturned in their fight against Lassa fever, prioritizing rapid intervention and community awareness to safeguard public health in Ogun.