Ogun State has confirmed its first case of Lassa fever, with a 25-year-old female National Youth Service Corps member succumbing to the disease.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, announced the outbreak on Wednesday in Abeokuta, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance. The corps member, who fell ill in Ondo, was brought to a secondary health facility in Ijebu-North Local Government Area on March 18 but died the same day.

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease that presents with symptoms such as high-grade fever, headache, weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from body openings.

Dr. Coker urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms. She also advised healthcare facilities to strengthen infection prevention measures and remain alert to possible cases.

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“Any case of febrile illness unresponsive to malaria or antibiotics within 48 hours should raise suspicion for Lassa fever,” she cautioned.

Healthcare workers were encouraged to report suspected cases to their Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers or call the designated state emergency lines for immediate intervention.

The health ministry, in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North East, has intensified surveillance and community engagement efforts to contain the outbreak.

Dr. Coker reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through continuous monitoring and swift responses to infectious diseases.

NAN