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In a developing health crisis in Ondo State, officials have confirmed 112 cases of Lassa fever, with 12 fatalities reported to date. The alarming figures were disclosed by Acting Statistician-General Olusola Ajayi during a briefing in Akure, the state capital, while addressing workers of the Ondo State Waste Management Authority.
Ajayi emphasized the seriousness of the outbreak, noting that while 353 cases have been reported in the state, only 112 have been confirmed as Lassa fever. “This is an alarming development,” he stated. “We are facing a significant health challenge, and the loss of 12 lives underscores the urgency with which we must act.”
Highlighting the importance of a coordinated response, Ajayi called on the waste management workers and other stakeholders in the health sector to intensify their efforts to create a healthier environment. “We are together in this fight against Lassa fever. It is imperative that we act swiftly and collaborate with all relevant agencies to curb the spread of this disease. The time to act is now,” he stressed.
The crisis in Ondo State is part of a broader outbreak that has affected several regions in the country. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 143 cases of Lassa fever out of 484 suspected cases recorded between December 30, 2024, and January 12, 2025, spanning seven states and 32 local government areas. These figures point to a widespread public health challenge that requires immediate and coordinated intervention.
Adding further perspective on the crisis, Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, revealed that nearly 400 suspected cases have been recorded in Ondo State since the onset of the outbreak. “We have 400 suspected cases, with 100 confirmed cases so far. Regrettably, we have also recorded some deaths, though I cannot provide an exact figure at this moment,” Dr. Ikuomola explained. His comments highlight the ongoing nature of the outbreak and the pressing need for comprehensive public health measures.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to parts of West Africa, transmitted primarily through exposure to the urine or droppings of infected rodents or through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. The disease can manifest in a range of symptoms, from mild fever and malaise to severe hemorrhagic complications that can result in death if not promptly and effectively treated.
In response to the outbreak, state authorities are taking a multi-pronged approach. Efforts are underway to enhance waste management practices, improve public sanitation, and raise awareness about the disease’s transmission and prevention. Community outreach initiatives are also being ramped up to educate residents on the importance of early detection and timely medical intervention. Health officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, or general weakness.
Local government representatives have indicated that additional resources will soon be deployed to improve diagnostic and treatment facilities in affected areas. The state government is working closely with national health agencies to monitor the situation, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to prevent further spread of the disease.
As Ondo State battles this health emergency, both state and federal health agencies remain committed to implementing strategies that will contain the outbreak and minimize further loss of life. The recent figures serve as a stark reminder of the urgency required to address such outbreaks, especially in a region where timely intervention can mean the difference between containment and escalation.
Health authorities promise to provide further updates as the situation evolves and additional data become available, urging the public to adhere strictly to preventive guidelines and cooperate with ongoing health initiatives.
