In a statement issued on Wednesday, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, confirmed that the index case involved a female corps member who fell ill in Ondo State before being brought to a health facility in Ijebu North Local Government Area on March 18, 2025. She passed away on the same day.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease that presents with symptoms such as high-grade fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, and unexplained bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
Dr. Coker urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms. She also advised that any fever that does not improve after 48 hours of malaria or antibiotic treatment should be considered suspicious for Lassa fever.
All health facilities, both public and private, have been instructed to strengthen infection prevention and control measures. Healthcare workers who suspect a case of Lassa fever are advised to contact the Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (LGA DSNO) or call the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer at 0703-421-4893 or the State Epidemiologist at 0808-425-0881.
The state government has assured residents of its commitment to protecting public health through continuous surveillance and a rapid response strategy. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team in Ijebu North-East, has intensified surveillance efforts and community engagement to contain the outbreak effectively.