A female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member has died of Lassa fever in Ogun State.

The Commissioner of Health, Dr Tomi Coker, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, while declaring a Lassa fever outbreak in the state.

Coker explained that the index case, a 25-year-old female ‘corper’ fell sick in Ondo State, but was brought to the government’s health facility in ljebu North LGA on March 18.

She said the corps member later died the same day.

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“Lassa fever is a viral Haemorrhagic disease that presents with High grade fever, Headache, General body weakness, Sore throat, Muscle pain, Cough, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Chest pain and Unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings,” Coker said.

She implored members of the community to promptly report to the hospital if they notice any of the symptoms.

“Any case of febrile illness that has not responded to 48 hours use of anti-malaria or antibiotics should raise an index of suspicion for Lassa fever!

“We implore all Health facilities in Ogun state, public and private, to step up Infection Prevention and Control measures antencourage compliance by all health facility staff,” the commissioner said.

She expressed the government’s commitment to protecting the health of citizens through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases.

“The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team at ljebu North East are keeping the situation under control with enhanced surveillance and community engagement and mobilization for effective response,” she added.