Ogun State has confirmed its first case of death from Lassa fever.
This was made known in a statement by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker on Wednesday in Abeokuta.
The health commissioner revealed that the index case involved a 25-year-old female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who fell ill while in Ondo State, and was later transferred to a health facility in the Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State on March 18, where she unfortunately passed away the same day.
Dr. Coker described Lassa fever as a viral hemorrhagic disease that presents symptoms such as high fever, headache, general body weakness, and sore throat.
Additional signs, he said, may include muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from various body openings.
The commissioner urged residents to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of these symptoms, and advised health facilities to enhance their infection prevention and control measures.
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Dr. Coker emphasised that any case of febrile illness that does not improve after 48 hours of anti-malarial or antibiotic treatment should be considered a potential case of Lassa fever.
He reminded healthcare workers to report suspected cases to their local government disease surveillance and notification officer, and provide them with contact information for immediate assistance.
“The Ministry of health is collaborating with a rapid response team in Ijebu North East to manage the situation with increased surveillance and community engagement,” the statement said.
Dr. Coker reassured the public of the state government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through continuous monitoring and swift action in the face of infectious diseases.
