By Gbayesola Samuel
The University College Hospital Ibadan has issued a health advisory to members of its hospital community after a patient who died while receiving care was tested positive for Lassa Fever.
This was disclosed in an internal memorandum dated Wednesday, April 15, 2026, signed by Professor Olubukoja A. Adesina, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee and Director of Clinical Services, Research and Training, on behalf of the Chief Medical Director.
According to the statement, the screening result confirming Lassa fever infection was received shortly after the patient’s death.
“A patient was admitted to the hospital who unfortunately passed away while being cared for,” the statement reads.
“Screening tests for Lassa Fever received shortly after the demise of the patient were reported as positive”
According to the management, several staff of the hospital have been admitted in the course of attending to the patient.
“In the course of providing care, several members of staff were admitted.”
The management also reminded staff that Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, with cases occurring throughout the year but typically peaking during the dry season between November and April.
“Cases are reported year-round, particularly peaking during the dry season (November to April).”
The memo also noted that transmission commonly occurs through contact with food or household materials contaminated by urine or faeces of infected Mastomys natalensis rodents.
It added that resources have been mobilised to strengthen laboratory, clinical, and pharmaceutical response measures, and that appropriate surveillance activities have commenced.
Common symptoms of Lassa fever as listed in the memorandum include persistent fever not responding to antimalarial drugs or antibiotics, extreme fatigue, headache, sore throat, and muscle and joint pains.
Other symptoms may include bleeding from body openings, coughing, breathing difficulty, hypotension, and seizures.
Hospital management further urged members of the hospital community to remain cautious and maintain a high index of suspicion where symptoms are observed.
“Let us all continue taking precautions at all times and maintain a high index of suspicion constantly,” it added.
