Yemi Obafemi
The Ogun State government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, warning residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with the viral disease.
The government have urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high-grade fever, sore throat, muscle pain, or unexplained bleeding, especially if a fever persists beyond 48 hours despite treatment.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, revealed this in an official press statement.
Coker revealed that the first recorded case involved a 25-year-old female National Youth Corps member who became ill in Ondo State and was taken to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Ogun State, on March 18, 2025.
The statement reads, “Lassa fever as a viral hemorrhagic disease that presents with symptoms such as high-grade fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from body openings.
“I hereby urge residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms, particularly if a fever does not improve within 48 hours of malaria or antibiotic treatment.
“Healthcare workers who suspect a case of Lassa fever should report immediately to their Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer or contact the State Epidemiologist through the designated helplines.”
