Ogun State has confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever after a tragic incident involving a 25-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who died from the disease at a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area. The death, which occurred on March 18, 2025, has raised concerns and brought renewed attention to the risks of the viral hemorrhagic disease, which has been spreading in parts of Nigeria.
The young female corps member, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly fell ill while in Ondo State. She was rushed to the health facility in Ijebu North on the same day, where she died shortly after her arrival. According to the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, the death has prompted the state government to declare an official Lassa fever outbreak.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Coker confirmed the case and provided details about the symptoms and the importance of early detection. “Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease that presents with high-grade fever, headache, general body weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings,” Coker said in the statement.
The commissioner also warned that any febrile illness that does not respond to 48 hours of anti-malaria or antibiotic treatment should be treated with suspicion for Lassa fever. She emphasized the need for residents to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if they notice any of the listed symptoms.
Lassa fever, a viral disease caused by the Lassa virus, is endemic in several parts of Nigeria and other West African countries. It is primarily spread through contact with the urine or droppings of infected rodents, particularly the multimammate rat, which is common in rural and urban areas. However, human-to-human transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare settings where infection control measures are not strictly followed.
The disease was first identified in Nigeria in 1969 and has since been responsible for a number of outbreaks across the country, often in the dry season between November and April. Lassa fever is known for its high mortality rate, especially when treatment is delayed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease has an overall case fatality rate of around 15%, though it can be much higher in areas with limited access to medical care.
In Ogun State, health officials have intensified efforts to control the outbreak and prevent further spread. The Commissioner for Health has urged both public and private health facilities to heighten their infection prevention and control measures. “We implore all health facilities in Ogun State, public and private, to step up Infection Prevention and Control measures and encourage compliance by all health facility staff,” Coker added.
Local authorities are also working closely with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East to monitor the situation and improve public awareness. Community engagement efforts have been ramped up to educate people on the symptoms of Lassa fever, the importance of early detection, and the need for immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration has reiterated its commitment to the health and safety of the people of Ogun State. “The Governor’s administration is dedicated to protecting the health of our citizens through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases,” Coker assured the public in her statement.
Health experts have also urged the public to take necessary precautions to avoid rodent infestations in their homes, as the primary mode of transmission of Lassa fever is through direct or indirect contact with infected rodents or their excreta.
The Ogun State government has also reminded healthcare workers to remain alert and report any suspected cases of Lassa fever immediately. Healthcare workers who suspect a case of Lassa fever are advised to contact local government disease surveillance officers or the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer. The numbers for these officers are made available at health facilities across the state.
“Healthcare workers who suspect Lassa fever in a patient are advised to call 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,” Coker added.
The death of the 25-year-old NYSC member has also raised concerns about the health and safety of other youth corp members across the country. With the NYSC program having a strong presence in both rural and urban communities, it is critical that NYSC officials take proactive steps to ensure the health and well-being of corps members stationed in various regions, especially in areas with a high incidence of Lassa fever.
Many NYSC members are stationed in remote communities with limited access to healthcare facilities, making them vulnerable to infectious diseases. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by young people serving in these areas and the need for better health surveillance and prompt intervention.
The NYSC leadership, in collaboration with state health ministries, must ensure that all corps members are aware of the symptoms of Lassa fever and have access to necessary medical care. Additionally, improved safety measures and public health campaigns are needed to protect corps members and local communities from infectious diseases like Lassa fever.
As Ogun State grapples with the outbreak, health authorities across Nigeria are on high alert. The government has vowed to continue its efforts to curb the spread of Lassa fever through improved health monitoring, education, and cooperation with both national and international health organizations.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and adhere to the guidelines set by health officials to prevent further spread of the disease. Early detection, quick response, and better community health education are key to controlling the current outbreak and preventing future cases of Lassa fever in Ogun and other parts of Nigeria.
