The Kwara State Government and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging a fever outbreak, including Lassa fever, at the NYSC orientation camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of the state.
The clarification followed widespread claims online that a corps member had allegedly died from a contagious fever at the camp, sparking panic among families and members of the public.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government explained that investigations carried out by the Kwara State Ministry of Health and the Rapid Response Team (RRT) found no evidence of any infectious disease outbreak at the camp. Health officials confirmed that no suspected or confirmed case of Lassa fever had been recorded among corps members or camp officials .
Authorities further clarified that the corps member referenced in the viral reports did not die from a contagious disease linked to the camp. According to officials, the individual had a pre-existing medical condition and was referred to an external health facility for treatment, where the death later occurred, unrelated to any outbreak at the orientation camp .
The NYSC management in Kwara also described the reports as false and misleading, urging the public to disregard unverified information capable of causing unnecessary fear. Camp activities, including drills, lectures and registration, are said to be continuing normally.
As a precautionary measure, the state government disclosed that disease surveillance within and around the camp has been strengthened, with health education, sanitation monitoring and rodent control intensified to prevent any possible health risks.
The Kwara State Government advised members of the public and parents of corps members to rely on information from official sources, warning that the spread of unverified health reports could cause panic and disrupt public order.
Officials reiterated the commitment of the state and NYSC to the safety and welfare of all corps members throughout the orientation exercise .