Lassa Fever: Oyo Confirms 5 Cases, Records 1 Death

The Oyo State government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever outbreak, with one death, assuring residents that swift response measures have been activated to contain the spread and protect public health.

Speaking at a press briefing, the commissioner for health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, explained that the confirmed cases were currently being managed in designated isolation and treatment facilities, including the State Infectious Disease Centre (IDC), Olodo, and the University College Hospital (UCH) isolation unit, where specialized clinical care and containment protocols are being implemented.

The commissioner stated that the state government promptly activated its emergency response framework, initiating a coordinated multi-sectoral intervention in line with national guidelines from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and global standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

She appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde, for his decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of residents, noting that his timely approval and release of emergency funds facilitated rapid operationalization of the response structure.

Ajetunmobi outlined key interventions already implemented, including the activation of the Incident Management System (IMS) and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), as well as the establishment of a multi-sectoral response team comprising the health, environment, agriculture, and information sectors.

She noted that a comprehensive Incident Action Plan has been developed and is being implemented, alongside intensified surveillance, including active case search and monitoring of over 200 identified contacts.

Other measures include the deployment of the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) for real-time data management, operationalization of isolation centres, and prepositioning of Ribavirin and other essential commodities.

“In addition, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been strengthened, including provision and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Safe and dignified burial protocols are also being implemented in collaboration with environmental health authorities,” she said.

She added that environmental sanitation, fumigation, and decontamination of affected areas are ongoing, while continuous capacity building and sensitization of healthcare workers are being carried out.

“Public risk communication through mass media, information materials, and community engagement is also being sustained,” she added.

The commissioner emphasized strengthened laboratory coordination with the UCH Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory to support timely diagnosis and response.

She acknowledged the strong intersectoral collaboration that had made the response effective, appreciating UCH, Ibadan, for its critical role in case management, laboratory diagnosis, and clinical support.

She also commended the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Information, as well as development partners for their technical and logistical support. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was also appreciated for its technical leadership and coordination.

Ajetunmobi urged residents to adhere strictly to preventive measures, including:Proper storage of food in sealed, rodent-proof containers, maintaining environmental sanitation to eliminate rodent habitats, avoiding contact with rodents and implementing control measures in homes and farms.

“Regular hand washing with soap and water, avoiding contact with bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed cases, seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or bleeding, reporting suspected cases immediately to the nearest health facility, strict compliance with IPC protocols by healthcare workers,” she said.

She advised residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with public health directives, noting that further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, said the ministry had 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 was 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 was 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, 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.