Oyo Ministry of Health Activates Emergency Response as Gov. Makinde Releases Funds to Contain Lassa Fever Outbreak
The Oyo State Government has swiftly activated its emergency response framework following laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever outbreak in the state, deploying a coordinated and multi-sectoral intervention aligned with national and global public health standards.
The response, led by the Ministry of Health, is being implemented in line with guidelines from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
It is also guided by the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), ensuring timely detection, reporting, and effective containment of the disease.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, while briefing journalists on Friday, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his decisive leadership and swift approval of emergency funds, which facilitated immediate operational response and containment efforts.
She noted that the governor’s intervention has supported the expansion of surveillance systems, deployment of response teams, strengthening of treatment facilities, and improved communication strategies aimed at preventing further spread of the infection.
Dr. Ajetunmobi further disclosed that the outbreak was triggered by an index case involving a 44-year-old woman who was later confirmed positive and died on April 11, 2026, with laboratory confirmation established on April 13.
She explained that a multidisciplinary outbreak investigation team comprising the Oyo State Ministry of Health, University College Hospital (UCH) Disease Surveillance Unit, and the University of Ibadan Clinical Epidemiology Unit was immediately deployed.
Epidemiological findings showed that the index case had a recent travel history to Edo State, where she attended a burial ceremony.
In line with cross-border surveillance protocols, the Edo State health authorities were promptly notified to support contact tracing and active case finding.
The Commissioner also confirmed that the outbreak has progressed to five confirmed cases and one death, with additional suspected cases under investigation across Ibadan South-West, Ibadan North, Ibadan North-West, and Ido Local Government Areas.
She noted that infections among healthcare workers had been recorded, underscoring the importance of strict infection prevention and control measures.
She added that confirmed cases are currently being managed at designated isolation centres, including the State Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, and the UCH isolation facility, where treatment and containment protocols are fully in place.
The government has also activated the Incident Management System, deployed surveillance teams tracking contacts, strengthened laboratory coordination with UCH Virology facilities, and intensified environmental sanitation and fumigation in affected areas.
Safe burial protocols and continuous healthcare worker sensitisation have also been implemented.
Dr. Ajetunmobi urged residents to remain calm and adhere to preventive measures such as proper food storage, environmental hygiene, avoiding contact with rodents, and seeking early medical attention for symptoms such as fever or unexplained bleeding.
She also advised healthcare workers to strictly comply with infection prevention protocols.
She reaffirmed that the outbreak remains under active control, adding that ongoing surveillance and coordinated response efforts are aimed at rapidly interrupting transmission and safeguarding public health across the state.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. Ademola Aderinto, said the ministry has taken proactive steps to curb the spread of Lassa fever in the state. He disclosed that environmental health officers have been deployed to sensitise residents on preventive measures.
He added that the ministry is engaging food vendors to ensure contaminated food is not sold to the public, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean and safe environments.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the present administration is prioritizing the security and health sectors in the state, calling on residents to adhere strictly to preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health.
The representative of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, Prof. Jesse Otegbeye, represented by Prof. Bukola Adesina, appreciated the Oyo State Government for its swift response, describing the support as robust, comprehensive, and reassuring.
He noted that resources made available by the state government greatly assisted in managing the situation effectively.