Oyo Confirms Lassa Fever Death, Activates Emergency Response

The Oyo State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, with authorities activating an emergency response to contain the situation.

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, however, received two days later on April 13.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, disclosed that the state government swiftly activated its emergency response mechanisms through the Ministry of Health immediately after confirmation of the case.

She noted that the Incident Management System for Lassa Fever has been put in place to coordinate all response activities, including contact tracing and monitoring of individuals who may have been exposed to the deceased.
According to the Commissioner, arrangements are also underway to ensure a safe and dignified burial, in line with public health guidelines.

Ajetunmobi urged residents to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, chest pain, or difficulty in breathing, stressing that early treatment significantly improves survival chances.

She explained that Lassa Fever is caused by the Lassa virus and is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected rodents. The disease can also spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons, especially in healthcare settings without adequate precautions.

The Commissioner advised residents to maintain proper hygiene by keeping their environments clean, storing food in rodent-proof containers, and avoiding practices that may expose food to contamination. She also emphasised the importance of sealing holes in homes to prevent rodent entry.

Residents were further encouraged to practise good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing, and to report suspected symptoms through designated emergency lines provided by the state government.
Ajetunmobi reassured the public that there is no cause for panic, noting that surveillance has been intensified across the state and health facilities placed on high alert.

She added that the government is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective response, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding public health.
The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade.