One death reported as Oyo records five cases of Lassa fever

Sunday, April 26, 2026 - The Oyo State Government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever, including one death, and says emergency measures have been activated to contain the outbreak.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said confirmed cases are being treated in designated isolation facilities, including the State Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo and the University College Hospital Ibadan isolation unit.

She said the state had triggered its emergency response framework, implementing a coordinated multi-sectoral approach aligned with guidelines from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Ajetunmobi commended Governor Seyi Makinde for what she described as “decisive leadership and unwavering commitment,” noting that the prompt release of emergency funds enabled a rapid response.

Key interventions include the activation of an Incident Management System and Emergency Operations Centre, as well as the deployment of a multi-sectoral response team involving the health, environment, agriculture and information sectors.

The commissioner said authorities have intensified surveillance, including active case searches and monitoring of more than 200 identified contacts. The Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) has also been deployed to support real-time data management.

Other measures include the provision of treatment drugs such as Ribavirin, strengthened infection prevention and control protocols, and the enforcement of safe burial practices in collaboration with environmental health officials.

Environmental sanitation efforts, including fumigation and decontamination of affected areas, are ongoing, while healthcare workers are receiving additional training and sensitisation. Public awareness campaigns are also being expanded through mass media and community engagement initiatives to educate residents on prevention and early detection.

Ajetunmobi urged residents to follow safety guidelines, including proper food storage in rodent-proof containers, maintaining clean environments, avoiding contact with rodents and bodily fluids, regular hand washing, and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms such as fever, vomiting or bleeding.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, said environmental health officers have been deployed to sensitise residents and ensure food safety, particularly among vendors.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the government remains committed to protecting public health and urged residents to comply with official directives.

Representatives of the University College Hospital, including Prof. Jesse Otegbeye, praised the state’s response as “robust, comprehensive, and reassuring,” noting that government support has strengthened efforts to manage the outbreak. Authorities say further updates will be provided as the situation develops.