The Oyo State Government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever and one death, as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak across affected local government areas.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Total Garden, Ibadan, on Friday.
She explained that the outbreak began with a 44-year-old female index case who later died on April 11, 2026, with laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever established two days later.
According to the Commissioner, epidemiological findings revealed that the deceased had recently travelled to Edo State, where she attended a burial ceremony, prompting cross-border collaboration between Oyo and Edo State health authorities to strengthen surveillance and response efforts.
Dr. Ajetunmobi said the outbreak has since developed into a cluster of infections, with confirmed cases recorded in Ibadan South-West, Ibadan North, Ibadan North-West, and Ido Local Government Areas. She noted that some healthcare workers have also been infected, highlighting the occupational risks associated with the disease.
“All confirmed cases are currently receiving treatment at designated isolation centres, including the State Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan,” she said.
The Commissioner added that the state government had swiftly activated its emergency response framework in line with national and international guidelines, including those of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
She said key response measures include the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre, deployment of rapid response teams, intensified surveillance, and monitoring of over 200 identified contacts. Other interventions include the use of the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) for real-time data tracking, provision of personal protective equipment, and administration of antiviral drugs such as Ribavirin.
Dr. Ajetunmobi also highlighted ongoing environmental sanitation, fumigation, safe burial practices, and public awareness campaigns as part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
She commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his prompt approval of emergency funds, which she said enabled the rapid deployment of resources and strengthening of the state’s response capacity.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to partner institutions, including the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and the NCDC, for their technical and logistical support, as well as frontline health workers for their dedication.
While extending condolences to the family of the deceased, she urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, stressing the importance of preventive measures such as proper food storage, environmental hygiene, and avoiding contact with rodents and infected persons.
“Residents should promptly report symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or unusual bleeding to the nearest health facility,” she advised.
Dr. Ajetunmobi assured that the outbreak is under active management and that the government remains committed to protecting public health through sustained surveillance and coordinated response efforts.
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