The Kwara State Government has officially dismissed rumors of a corps member's death from Lassa fever at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in the state. This announcement came in response to circulating social media reports which claimed that such an incident had occurred. After a thorough investigation by the state's Rapid Response Team, led by the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Kamaldeen Khadeejah, the government found no indications of Lassa fever infection or transmission within the camp.

The statement clarified that field investigations and an active case search revealed no suspected or confirmed cases of viral hemorrhagic fever among corps members or camp officials. Saad Hamdalat, the Press Secretary for the Ministry of Health in Kwara, emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media, highlighting a growing concern around misinformation during health crises. Following these findings, the government has heightened surveillance in the camp as a preventative measure despite the absence of Lassa fever cases.

This incident underscores the critical role of official communication in controlling rumors and ensuring public safety, especially in the context of potential health threats like Lassa fever. The government’s prompt investigation may help reassure both corps members and the community at large, while also illustrating the need for vigilance against misinformation that can cause public panic. Furthermore, such vigilance is vital in maintaining trust among the populace in health policies and government assurances.