Renowned Author and Lassa Fever advocate, Abiodun Lasile, has called for heightened public awareness and preventive measures following the recent outbreak of the deadly disease in Ogun State, which claimed the life of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
Lasile, the author of Sarat Derat, a government-approved book on Lassa Fever prevention, expressed deep concern over the tragic incident and emphasized the need for urgent action.
“This is another painful reminder that Lassa Fever is still a serious public health threat. The loss of a young corps member should serve as a wake-up call for everyone to take preventive measures seriously,” he said.
He urged residents to take proactive steps, including eliminating rats from their homes, ensuring proper food storage, and seeking medical attention if symptoms arise.
He also encouraged the public to read Sarat Derat, which he described as an essential resource in the fight against Lassa Fever.
“The best way to fight Lassa Fever is through prevention and education. Knowledge is power, and with the right information, we can protect ourselves and our communities from this deadly disease,” he added.
Ogun Government’s Response
Following Lasile’s concerns, the Ogun State government has reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak and ensuring the safety of residents.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, confirmed the outbreak and outlined the government’s swift response.
“We have declared a public health alert following the confirmed case of Lassa Fever. The deceased, a 25-year-old NYSC member, was admitted to a secondary health facility in Ijebu North LGA on March 18, 2025, and sadly passed away the same day,” she said.
Dr. Coker stressed the importance of early detection and reporting of symptoms, which include high fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding.
“We implore members of the community to promptly report any suspected cases to health facilities. Any fever that does not respond to malaria or antibiotics within 48 hours should raise suspicion of Lassa Fever,” she warned.
To curb the spread, the state government has taken the following steps:
Enhanced Surveillance and Contact Tracing: The Rapid Response Team at Ijebu North East has intensified efforts in tracking and managing suspected cases.
Public and Private Health Facility Readiness: Health facilities across the state have been directed to strengthen Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures.
Emergency Contact Activation: Residents can report suspected cases by calling the State Epidemiologist at 0808-425-0881 or the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer at 0703-421-4893.
Dr. Coker reassured the public of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, stating that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration is fully committed to combating infectious diseases through continuous surveillance, public awareness, and emergency response measures.
“The government will not relent in its duty to protect the people of Ogun State. However, we need everyone’s cooperation to stop the spread of Lassa Fever. Let us all remain vigilant and adhere to the preventive measures,” she said.
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