The Oyo State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, with a 44-year-old female patient succumbing to the disease despite medical intervention.
The patient, who was managed at the tertiary facility, died on April 11, 2026, while laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received two days later on April 13. The development has prompted swift action from health authorities to contain any potential spread.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, disclosed that the state had immediately activated its emergency response mechanisms following confirmation of the case.
She noted that the Incident Management System for Lassa fever had been placed on alert to coordinate response efforts across Oyo State.
“Key steps have been taken to identify and monitor all contacts of the deceased, ensuring that a safe and dignified burial is conducted,” she said.
Ajetunmobi urged residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
She emphasised that early presentation at health facilities significantly improves survival chances.
Explaining the nature of the disease, the commissioner said Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.
She added that human-to-human transmission could occur through exposure to bodily fluids, especially in healthcare settings lacking proper infection control measures.
She advised residents to maintain strict environmental hygiene, including storing food in rodent-proof containers, proper waste disposal, and avoiding drying food on open surfaces.
Residents were also urged to seal entry points in their homes to prevent rodent infestation and to practise good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing and the use of sanitisers.
The commissioner further directed all health workers to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols, adding that surveillance had been intensified statewide, with all health facilities placed on high alert.
While assuring residents that the situation remains under control, Ajetunmobi stressed that there is no cause for panic.
“Lassa fever is preventable and treatable, especially when detected early,” she said, urging anyone with symptoms to report promptly through the state’s emergency lines.
