The Oyo State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
- +Oyo confirms Lassa fever case, activates emergency response
The case involved a 44-year-old female patient who was managed at the facility and died on April 11, 2026, while laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received on April 13.
The case involved a 44-year-old female patient who was managed at the facility and died on April 11, 2026, while laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received on April 13.
In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the state had activated its emergency response mechanisms following the confirmation.
She said the Incident Management System for Lassa fever had been placed on alert to coordinate response activities across the state.
“Key steps have been taken to identify and monitor all contacts of the deceased, ensuring that a safe and dignified burial is conducted,” he said.
She urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness or fatigue, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
The commissioner stressed that early presentation at health facilities significantly improves chances of survival.
She explained that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted mainly through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.
She added that it could also spread through contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, particularly in healthcare settings without proper infection control.
Ajetunmobi advised residents to maintain proper environmental hygiene, store food in rodent-proof containers, dispose of waste properly, and avoid drying food items on open ground or roadsides.
She also urged the public to seal holes and entry points in homes to prevent rodent infestation.
“Good personal hygiene must be practised at all times, including regular hand washing with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitisers where necessary,” she said.
The commissioner urged anyone showing symptoms to report promptly through emergency lines: 08033742052 and 08025245809.
She added that all health workers had been directed to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols.
Ajetunmobi said surveillance had been intensified across the state and all health facilities had been placed on high alert.
She assured residents that the situation was under control, adding that there was no cause for panic.
“Lassa Fever is preventable and treatable, especially when detected early,” she said.
