JUST IN: Oyo State confirms woman dies from Lassa fever, takes action

By Adejayan Gbenga

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

The case involved a 44-year-old woman who was treated at the facility and died on April 11, 2026 with laboratory results confirming the death was caused by Lassa fever.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, disclosed that the state had activated its emergency response system following the confirmation of the case. According to her, the Incident Management System for lassa fever has been placed on alert to coordinate response efforts across the state.

She added that contacts of the deceased are being traced and monitored, and arrangements are in place to ensure a safe and dignified burial.

Residents were advised to report early to health facilities if they notice symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, stressing that early treatment improves survival chances.

The commissioner explained that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted mainly through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, and can also spread through bodily fluids in unsafe healthcare settings. She advised residents to maintain proper hygiene, store food safely, avoid drying food outdoors, dispose of waste properly, and block rodent entry points into homes.

Health workers were also been directed to strictly follow infection prevention protocols, while surveillance has been intensified across health facilities in the state.

Ajetunmobi ended her remarks by assuring residents that the situation is under control and that there is no cause for panic, adding that lassa fever is preventable and treatable when detected early.