Oyo State Confirms Lassa Fever Case in Ibadan, Activates Emergency Response.

Oyo State Confirms Lassa Fever Case in Ibadan, Activates Emergency Response.

Oyo State Confirms Lassa Fever Case in Ibadan, Activates Emergency Response.

 
The Oyo State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever recorded at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and has immediately activated emergency response measures to contain the situation.

According to the government, the confirmed case involved a 44-year-old female patient who was treated at UCH but sadly passed away on 11th April, 2026. Laboratory confirmation of Lassa Fever was later received on 13th April, 2026.

Oyo Govt Activates Incident Management System (IMS)

In an official statement released by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the state has activated its emergency response mechanism following the confirmation of the case.

Dr. Ajetunmobi stated that the Incident Management System (IMS) for Lassa Fever has been fully activated to coordinate response efforts across the state.

She added that key measures have already been taken, including:

• Identification and monitoring of all contacts linked to the deceased

• Ensuring that a safe and dignified burial is conducted

• Strengthening surveillance across the state

• Placing all health facilities on high alert

• Residents Advised to Watch Out for Symptoms

The Commissioner urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they notice symptoms such as:

• Persistent fever

• Weakness or extreme fatigue

• Sore throat

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Unexplained bleeding (gums, nose, urine, injection sites)

• Chest pain

• Difficulty in breathing

She emphasized that early detection and prompt medical treatment significantly increase survival chances.

What Is Lassa Fever and How Is It Spread?

Dr. Ajetunmobi explained that Lassa Fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. The disease is mainly transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected rodents.

She also warned that Lassa Fever can spread from person to person through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected individual, especially in healthcare settings where proper safety precautions are not followed.

Oyo Govt Advises Residents on Preventive Measures

To prevent the spread of the disease, residents were advised to maintain proper environmental and personal hygiene, including:

• Keeping homes and surroundings clean

• Storing food in rodent-proof containers

• Proper waste disposal

• Avoiding drying food items on the ground or by the roadside

• Sealing holes and entry points to prevent rodents from entering homes

• Regular hand washing with soap and water

• Using hand sanitizers where necessary

• Emergency Contact Lines Released

The Commissioner also urged anyone experiencing symptoms to promptly report through the designated emergency lines:

📞 08033742052

📞 08025245809

She further encouraged all healthcare workers in the state to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols at all times.

“No Cause for Panic” — Oyo Government Assures Residents

The Oyo State Government reassured residents that there is no cause for panic, noting that the situation is under control and all necessary public health measures are being implemented.

Dr. Ajetunmobi reiterated the state’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of residents, adding that collaboration with relevant stakeholders is being strengthened to ensure an effective and coordinated response.

She stressed that Lassa Fever is preventable and treatable, especially when detected early.