The Oyo State Government has activated emergency measures following the death of a 44-year-old woman from Lassa fever. The patient passed away at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, on April 11, 2026.
Laboratory results confirmed the presence of the virus two days after the patient’s death, sparking immediate concern among health authorities. The state is now working to prevent a wider outbreak within the metropolitan area.
Contact tracing begins as health facilities go on alert
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, announced that the state’s Incident Management System (IMS) is now fully operational. Officials have already started tracing and monitoring all persons who had contact with the deceased.
Health facilities across the state are on high alert to identify any new cases of the viral hemorrhagic disease. The government is also coordinating a safe and dignified burial for the victim to ensure public safety.
Symptoms and preventive measures for residents
Residents have been urged to stay vigilant and report early symptoms such as persistent fever, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding. The Commissioner explained that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with items contaminated by infected rodents.
To stay safe, the public is advised to maintain proper hygiene and store food in rodent-proof containers. Health officials emphasized that the situation is currently under control and there is no cause for panic.
