Oyo Confirms Lassa Fever Death, Activates Emergency Response

…As Govt moves to contain outbreak, assures residents of control

The Oyo State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa Fever at the University College Hospital Ibadan, where a 44-year-old woman died after contracting the disease.

The statement was issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, According to authorities, the patient was managed at the hospital but died on April 11, while laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received two days later on April 13.

The State Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the government immediately activated its emergency response system following confirmation of the case.

She disclosed that an Incident Management System has been set up to coordinate response efforts, including contact tracing and monitoring of all individuals who may have come in contact with the deceased.

Arrangements are also being made to ensure a safe and dignified burial.The commissioner urged residents 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 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 of infected persons, especially in healthcare settings without proper precautions.

Residents were advised to maintain proper hygiene by keeping their environment clean, storing food in rodent-proof containers, disposing of waste properly and avoiding drying food on roadsides.

They were also urged to seal holes in homes to prevent rodent entry and practice regular hand washing.

The government said surveillance has been intensified across the state, with all health facilities placed on high alert. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders is also being strengthened to ensure an effective response.

Health workers have been directed to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures, while residents with suspected symptoms are encouraged to report through designated emergency lines.

Despite the confirmed case, the government reassured the public that there is no cause for panic, noting that the situation is under control and all necessary public health measures are being implemented.

“Lassa fever is preventable and treatable, especially when detected early,” the commissioner stated.