Six cases of Lassa fever confirmed in Nigeria’s Oyo State
In Nigeria’s Oyo State, 131 suspected cases of Lassa fever were recorded from January to September 10, 2026. Six cases of the infection were laboratory-confirmed, and one person died, said the state Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi.
As Premium Times Nigeria reports, the official clarified that these figures do not indicate a current outbreak of the disease in the state. At the same time, she said Lassa fever is endemic in certain areas of Oyo, and one confirmed case is technically considered an outbreak.
Laboratory confirmation
Ajetunmobi explained that the initial symptoms of Lassa fever may resemble those of malaria and other illnesses accompanied by fever. Therefore, samples are collected from patients suspected of having the disease and sent to laboratories to confirm the diagnosis.
Confirmed cases are treated immediately, while suspected cases that are not confirmed by testing are subsequently excluded from the list of Lassa fever cases. After a suspected case is identified, the public health emergency operations center and surveillance workers are activated in the state.
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The commissioner also said that changing climatic conditions are likely affecting the disease’s usual transmission seasonality. Lassa fever has traditionally been associated with the dry season, particularly the periods of October–November and March–April, but suspected cases are now being recorded outside these periods as well.
Recommendations for residents and health workers
The official urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and dispose of waste properly. According to her, improper waste handling can create favorable conditions for multimammate rats, which are linked to the transmission of Lassa fever.
She advised sealing openings through which rodents may enter homes, keeping food covered, and washing hands regularly with soap or using sanitizer when necessary. Health workers were advised to use gloves, masks, and other personal protective equipment when working with patients who have fever or other symptoms of infection.
Ajetunmobi listed fever, sore throat, vomiting, weakness and, in severe cases, bleeding from body openings among the signs that should raise suspicion. She urged people not to conceal illness or delay seeking medical care, as late presentation may lead to complications.
