The Oyo State Government confirmed a new case of Lassa fever on April 15, 2026, involving a 44-year-old woman who died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
The Oyo State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever at the University College Hospital in Ibadan. The case involved a 44-year-old female patient who was treated at the clinic and died on April 11, 2026, with scientific confirmation of Lassa fever coming on April 13.
Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Commissioner for Health, stated on Monday that the state has activated its emergency response procedures in reaction to the confirmation. She stated that the Incident Management System for Lassa fever has been activated to coordinate response actions 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 also mentioned that it might 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.
She said, “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.” 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 reassured locals that the situation was under control and that there was no reason to panic.
She stated, “Lassa Fever is preventable and treatable, especially when detected early.”
