The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has confirmed a fatal case of Lassa fever, prompting the hospital management to issue an internal alert reinforcing safety protocols among staff and the wider hospital community.
In an internal memorandum dated April 15, 2026, and signed by the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Professor Olubukola Adesina, the hospital disclosed that the patient was admitted and later died while receiving treatment. Post-mortem screening confirmed the patient tested positive for Lassa fever.
According to the memo, some healthcare workers were exposed during the course of treatment. The affected staff have since been placed under medical care in line with national guidelines, while the hospital has activated surveillance and response measures in collaboration with relevant health authorities.
Management emphasized that Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, with cases recorded throughout the year and peak transmission occurring during the dry season, typically between November and April. The disease is primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by urine or feces of infected rodents, particularly the Mastomys natalensis species.
The hospital reiterated that symptoms of the disease include persistent fever unresponsive to antimalarial drugs or antibiotics, headache, sore throat, muscle and joint pains, and extreme fatigue. In severe cases, patients may experience bleeding, coughing, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, and seizures.
UCH management urged all staff and members of the public to maintain a high level of vigilance, adhere strictly to infection prevention protocols, and report suspected cases promptly.
The memorandum also noted that adequate laboratory, clinical, and pharmaceutical resources have been mobilized to manage the situation effectively, while designated units within the hospital have commenced active monitoring.
The advisory serves as an amendment to an earlier circular issued the same day, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
