Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
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.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, announced the development at a press briefing in Ibadan on Friday, April 24, 2026. She said the confirmed patients are being managed at designated isolation and treatment facilities, including the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, and the University College Hospital isolation unit.
According to the state government, the outbreak began with a 44-year-old woman who died on April 11. Her laboratory result was confirmed on April 13. Officials said the woman had recently travelled to Edo State for a burial, prompting contact tracing and cross-state surveillance.
The confirmed cases were reported in four local government areas in Ibadan: Ibadan South-West, Ibadan North, Ibadan North-West, and Ido. The government also confirmed that more than 200 contacts have been identified and are being monitored.
Ajetunmobi said the state has activated its Incident Management System and Emergency Operations Centre, with a multi-sectoral response team drawn from health, environment, agriculture, and information agencies. She added that surveillance, active case search, isolation services, laboratory coordination, and treatment support have been strengthened.
The government said Ribavirin and other essential commodities have been prepositioned, while infection prevention and control measures have been reinforced in health facilities. Officials also said personal protective equipment has been provided and safe burial protocols are being implemented.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ademola Aderinto, said sanitation teams had been mobilised and warned residents against unsafe food handling practices, including drying food items in open roadside areas and exposing food in markets. He said the ministry is checking food storage systems and sensitising market operators on rodent control.
The University College Hospital, Ibadan, also assured residents that it is working with the state government to manage the situation and protect patients, health workers, and the public. (Tribune Online)
The outbreak comes as Nigeria continues to record Lassa fever cases in several states. In its week 14 situation report covering March 30 to April 5, 2026, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported 685 confirmed cases and 170 deaths across 22 states and 94 local government areas since the start of the year.
Health authorities urged residents to store food properly, keep homes and surroundings clean, avoid contact with rodents, and seek medical care quickly if symptoms such as fever, vomiting, weakness, or bleeding occur.
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