Oyo Confirms Lassa Fever Case, Activates Emergency Response

The Oyo State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever at the University College Hospital.

 

The case involved a 44-year-old woman who was treated at the facility but died on April 11, 2026. Laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received two days later, on April 13.

 

In a statement, the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the state had activated its emergency response mechanisms following the confirmation.

 

She disclosed that the Incident Management System for Lassa fever has been placed on alert to coordinate response efforts across the state, including contact tracing and monitoring.

 

Authorities have also taken steps to ensure a safe and dignified burial of the deceased.

 

The commissioner urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, noting that early treatment improves survival chances.

 

She explained that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, but can also spread through contact with bodily fluids of infected persons, especially in healthcare settings lacking proper infection control.

 

Residents were advised to maintain proper hygiene, store food in rodent-proof containers, dispose of waste properly, and avoid drying food on open surfaces. They were also encouraged to seal holes in homes to prevent rodent entry.

 

Ajetunmobi added that surveillance has been intensified, with all health facilities placed on high alert, while healthcare workers have been directed to strictly follow infection prevention protocols.

 

She assured residents that the situation is under control and urged the public not to panic.

 

“Lassa fever is preventable and treatable, especially when detected early,” she said.