Oyo Confirms Lassa Fever Case At UCH, Activates Emergency Response

15th April, 2026 | News

The Oyo State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever at the University College Hospital and announced the activation of emergency response measures to contain the outbreak.

According to the government, the case involved a 44-year-old woman who was treated at the hospital but died on April 11, 2026. Laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received two days later, on April 13.

The Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the state swiftly activated its emergency response system through the Ministry of Health. An Incident Management System has also been established to coordinate response efforts across the state.

She disclosed that health authorities have begun identifying and monitoring all individuals who had contact with the deceased, while also ensuring a safe and dignified burial in line with public health protocols.

Residents were urged to seek immediate medical care if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. She emphasised that early treatment significantly improves survival chances.

Ajetunmobi explained that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected rodents, but can also spread through contact with bodily fluids, especially in healthcare settings without proper precautions.

She advised residents to maintain proper hygiene by keeping environments clean, storing food safely, disposing of waste properly, and sealing openings in homes to prevent rodent entry. Regular handwashing and use of sanitizers were also encouraged.

The government has intensified surveillance and placed health facilities on alert, assuring residents that the situation is under control while urging vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected cases.