Kwara Govt Denies Lassa Fever Deaths at NYSC Camp
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
The Kwara State Government has debunked social media reports claiming Lassa fever deaths occurred at the NYSC orientation camp.
Following an emergency investigation, officials confirmed the rumors are entirely false.
A probe led by the State Epidemiologist found no confirmed cases of the virus among corps members or staff. Health authorities assured the public that surveillance remains active to prevent any potential outbreak.
The government clarified that while one corps member died on February 7, medical tests did not link the death to Lassa fever. The individual had been hospitalized since February 1, but laboratory results remained negative for the virus.
Addressing the misinformation, Information Officer Saad Hamdalat stated, “The investigation found no confirmed case of Lassa fever among corps members or staff at the NYSC orientation camp, and there is no laboratory confirmation indicating that the illness was caused by Lassa fever.”
The Ministry of Health urged the public to ignore sensationalist reports that cause unnecessary panic for parents and residents. Citizens are advised to rely only on official government channels for health updates.
To ensure safety, the state has boosted health awareness and preventive measures within the camp. These proactive steps aim to facilitate early detection of any health risks and protect all participants.
