THE Oyo State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever at the University College Hospital (UCH) and has moved swiftly to activate emergency response protocols to contain the situation.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the case involved a 44-year-old woman who was treated at UCH and passed away on April 11, 2026.
Laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received two days later, prompting immediate action from the Ministry of Health.
An Incident Management System has since been established to coordinate response efforts across the state.
Authorities have begun identifying and monitoring individuals who had contact with the patient, while also ensuring that burial procedures were conducted safely.
The commissioner 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 breathing, noting that early treatment significantly improves survival chances.
She explained that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with food or items contaminated by infected rodents, but can also spread between humans through bodily fluids, especially in healthcare settings without proper precautions.
Residents were advised to maintain strict hygiene practices, including proper food storage, waste disposal, and avoiding drying food on open surfaces.
Preventive steps such as sealing entry points in homes to keep rodents out, regular handwashing, and the use of sanitizers were also emphasized.
Health officials have intensified surveillance across Oyo State, with all medical facilities placed on alert.
The government also reassured the public that the situation is under control and encouraged reporting of suspected cases through designated emergency lines.
Authorities reiterated that while Lassa fever remains a serious public health concern, it is both preventable and treatable when detected early.
