The Oyo State Government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever, including one fatality, and has activated emergency measures to curb the spread of the disease. The announcement was made during a press briefing by the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi.
Emergency Response Activated
According to Ajetunmobi, confirmed patients are receiving treatment in designated isolation units, including the State Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo and the isolation ward at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan. The state has triggered its emergency response framework, employing a coordinated multi-sectoral approach that aligns with guidelines from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Government's Swift Action
Ajetunmobi praised Governor Seyi Makinde for what she termed "decisive leadership and unwavering commitment," noting that the prompt release of emergency funds facilitated a rapid response. Key interventions include the activation of an Incident Management System and Emergency Operations Centre, as well as the deployment of a multi-sectoral response team involving health, environment, agriculture, and information sectors.
Surveillance and Contact Tracing
Authorities have intensified surveillance, including active case searches and monitoring of over 200 identified contacts. The Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) has been deployed to support real-time data management. Other measures include the provision of treatment drugs such as Ribavirin, strengthened infection prevention and control protocols, and enforcement of safe burial practices in collaboration with environmental health officials.
Environmental and Public Health Measures
Environmental sanitation efforts, including fumigation and decontamination of affected areas, are ongoing. Healthcare workers are receiving additional training and sensitization. Public awareness campaigns are being expanded through mass media and community engagement initiatives to educate residents on prevention and early detection.
Advice to Residents
Ajetunmobi urged residents to follow safety guidelines, such as proper food storage in rodent-proof containers, maintaining clean environments, avoiding contact with rodents and bodily fluids, regular hand washing, and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms like fever, vomiting, or bleeding.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, stated that environmental health officers have been deployed to sensitize residents and ensure food safety, particularly among vendors. The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting public health and urged compliance with official directives.
Collaboration with UCH
Representatives from the University College Hospital, including Prof. Jesse Otegbeye, praised the state's response as "robust, comprehensive, and reassuring," noting that government support has strengthened efforts to manage the outbreak. Authorities say further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
