Segun Atanda/
The Oyo State Government has confirmed a fresh case of Lassa fever in Ibadan, involving a 44-year-old woman who was treated at the University College Hospital (UCH) before succumbing to the disease.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the patient died on April 11, while laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received two days later, on April 13.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, the government disclosed that it has immediately activated its emergency response framework to contain any potential spread of the infection.
“Following the confirmation of the case, the state government, through the Ministry of Health, immediately activated its emergency response mechanisms.
The Incident Management System (IMS) for Lassa fever has been fully activated to coordinate all response activities,” Ajetunmobi said.
She explained that contact tracing has commenced to identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, while arrangements are underway to ensure a safe and dignified burial for the deceased in line with public health protocols.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents.
Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control measures are inadequate.
Ajetunmobi urged residents to remain vigilant and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, or unexplained bleeding from the nose, gums, urine, or injection sites.
She stressed that early presentation at a health facility significantly improves survival chances, noting that delayed treatment often leads to complications and fatalities.
The commissioner also outlined preventive measures, urging residents to maintain strict environmental hygiene by keeping surroundings clean, storing food in rodent-proof containers, properly disposing of waste, and avoiding the drying of food items on bare ground or open surfaces.
Residents have been advised to report suspected cases through designated emergency lines: 08033742052 and 08025245809, while health workers across the state have been placed on high alert and instructed to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols.
Ajetunmobi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health, stating that surveillance systems had been strengthened across all health facilities in the state.
She added that the government is working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response aimed at preventing further spread.
While assuring residents that there is no cause for panic, the commissioner emphasised that the situation remains under control, reiterating that Lassa fever is both preventable and treatable when detected early and managed appropriately.
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