The Kwara State Government has dismissed social media rumours claiming that a corps member died of Lassa fever during the ongoing NYSC orientation camp in the state, stressing that no such case has been confirmed at the camp. The clarification was issued in a statement on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by the Ministry of Health following a thorough investigation by the state’s Rapid Response Team.
The wave of misinformation began with a social media post on Sunday, February 8, alleging a suspected Lassa fever fatality among corps members at the camp. In response, the state’s Rapid Response Team — led by the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Kamaldeen Khadeejah — conducted field investigations and a retrospective active case search, finding no evidence of Lassa fever infection or transmission within the camp environment.
Dr. Khadeejah emphasised that “no suspected or confirmed cases of viral haemorrhagic fever were recorded among corps members or camp officials,” adding that surveillance has been intensified as a precautionary measure. She said the current public health risk remains low, but health authorities are on alert to detect and respond swiftly to any suspected illnesses.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Olaoluwa Onifade, also provided clarity on the situation. According to Onifade, the corps member referenced in the false report had a pre‑existing chronic illness and was taken by their parent to an external health facility on February 1, 2026, where they later died outside the camp on February 7. There was no laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever related to this death, he stated.
In addition to addressing the rumours, health officials reinforced ongoing measures at the camp clinic, strengthening infection prevention and control practices. Corps members and health workers have been briefed on Lassa fever symptoms — such as body pain, headache, diarrhoea and sore throat — and taught how to report early signs and protect themselves.
Environmental Health Officer Adamu Kabiru also urged enhanced sanitation and rodent control measures around the camp to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, noting that good hygiene and proper food storage are key to preventing Lassa fever’s spread.
Officials have urged the public to disregard unverified social media reports and instead rely on information from authorised government channels, highlighting the importance of accurate communication during public health concerns.
