Nigeria: Lassa Fever - Oyo Records 131 Suspected Cases, Six Confirmed, One Death - Commissioner
[Premium Times] The commissioner noted that some patients initially presented with fever and other symptoms that could be associated with malaria or other infections, making laboratory testing necessary for proper diagnosis.
Oyo State in Nigeria has recorded 131 suspected cases of Lassa fever from January to 10 September 2026, with six confirmed cases and one death, according to Commissioner Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi. The commissioner clarified that the figures did not indicate an ongoing outbreak, as Lassa fever is endemic in some parts of the state, and a single confirmed case is considered an outbreak.
Many suspected cases were reported due to initial symptoms resembling malaria and other febrile illnesses, necessitating laboratory testing for proper diagnosis. The state's public health emergency operation centre and surveillance notification officers were activated upon identifying a suspected case, with samples collected and sent for laboratory confirmation.
If confirmed, treatment was initiated immediately. Lassa fever is traditionally associated with the dry season, but cases are now being recorded outside those periods. The commissioner urged residents to maintain high vigilance, practice proper environmental hygiene, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
