Kwara Government refutes Lassa fever death claims at NYSC camp
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Kwara State Government has rejected reports spreading on social media which alleged that some deaths at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in the state were caused by Lassa fever.
The clarification appeared in an official statement released by the Information Officer of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat. The statement followed an emergency probe launched after the rumours gained public attention.
Authorities disclosed that the investigation was headed by the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Kamaldeen Khadeejah. Findings from the probe showed that there was no confirmed case of Lassa fever among corps members or camp officials.
The statement further explained that the corps member whose health condition circulated widely online became sick and was rushed to a hospital on February 1, 2026. The individual later passed away on February 7.
Officials, however, stressed that laboratory tests did not confirm Lassa fever as the cause of the illness.
The state government advised residents and the general public to disregard unverified information. It also assured that surveillance systems and health sensitisation activities at the NYSC camp have been reinforced to enable early detection of any possible health threat.