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, while laboratory confirmation of the disease was received on April 13.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, disclosed that emergency response measures had been activated following confirmation of the case.
She noted that the state’s Incident Management System for Lassa fever had been placed on alert to oversee response efforts across Oyo 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.
The commissioner urged residents to promptly seek medical care if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, chest pain, or breathing difficulties.
She emphasised that early presentation at health facilities greatly improves survival chances.
Ajetunmobi explained that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.
She added that it can also spread through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, especially in healthcare settings lacking proper infection control measures.
Residents were advised to maintain good environmental hygiene, store food in rodent-proof containers, dispose of waste appropriately, and avoid drying food items on open surfaces such as roadsides.
She also encouraged sealing openings in homes to prevent rodent entry.
“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,” she said.
The commissioner urged anyone exhibiting symptoms to report immediately via emergency lines: 08033742052 and 08025245809.
She added that healthcare workers had been instructed to strictly follow infection prevention and control guidelines.
Ajetunmobi further stated that surveillance had been strengthened across the state, with all health facilities placed on high alert.
She reassured residents that the situation remained under control and urged calm, noting that Lassa fever is preventable and treatable when detected early.