The Oyo State government, on Wednesday, confirmed the death of one victim of Lassa Fever, just as it announced the activation of emergency response.
As stated in a press release by the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the case was reported at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
It involved a 44-year-old female who was managed at UCH, but unfortunately passed away on 11 April, 2026, while the laboratory confirmation of Lassa Fever was received on 13 April, 2026.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stated that the state government has immediately activated its emergency response mechanisms following the confirmation of the case.
She also disclosed that the Incident Management System (IMS) for Lassa Fever would coordinate all response activities.
The commissioner explained that key steps have been taken by the Oyo State government to identify and monitor all contacts of the deceased to ensure that a safe and dignified burial was conducted.
Dr Ajetunmobi urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of Lassa Fever
The symptoms, she said, included persistent fever, weakness or extreme fatigue, sore throat vomiting or diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding (from gums, nose, urine, or injection sites), chest pain or difficulty in breathing.
She also emphasised that early presentation at any health facility will significantly improve chances of survival.
The commissioner further explained that Lassa Fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected rodents.
She stressed that it can spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids of an infected individual, particularly in healthcare settings where appropriate precautions are not taken.
Speaking further, Dr Ajetunmobi advised residents to maintain a high level of environmental hygiene by keeping their homes and surroundings clean, storing foods in rodent-proof containers, disposing wastes properly, and avoiding drying of food items on the ground or by the roadside.
She stated: “Residents should take deliberate steps to avoid contact with rodents by sealing holes and other entry points in their homes.
“Good personal hygiene must be practiced at all times, including regular hand washing with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitizers where necessary.
“Furthermore, anyone experiencing symptoms of Lassa Fever is advised to promptly report through the designated emergency lines: 08033742052 and 08025245809, while all health workers are enjoined to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols at all times.”
The commissioner restated that the Oyo State government remained fully committed to protecting the health and safety of all residents.
She noted that surveillance has been intensified across the state, and all health facilities have been placed on high alert.
Consequently, the Oyo State government was strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective response, she added.
The commissioner assured residents that there was no cause for panic and the situation was under control
All necessary public health measures are being effectively implemented,” she stated, adding: “Lassa Fever is preventable and treatable, especially when detected early.”
