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.
Addressing a press briefing, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, explained that the confirmed cases are currently being managed in designated isolation and treatment facilities where specialised clinical care and containment protocols are being implemented
The designated centre, she disclosed, included the State Infectious Disease Centre (IDC), Olodo, and the University College Hospital (UCH) isolation unit.
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 Organisation (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 operationalisation of the response structure.
Ajetunmobi outlined key interventions already implemented, including the activation of the Incident Management System (IMS) and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), and establishment of a multi-sectoral response team comprising the health, environment, agriculture, and information sectors.
She further 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, she said, included the deployment of the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) for real-time data management, operationalisation of isolation centres, and prepositioning of Ribavirin and other essential commodities.
In addition, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, she added, 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,” the Commissioner for Health added.
She said environmental sanitation, fumigation, and decontamination of affected areas are ongoing, while continuous capacity-building and sensitisation of healthcare workers are being carried out.
“Public risk communication through mass media, information materials, and community engagement is also being sustained,” Ajetunmobi said.
The commissioner emphasised strengthened laboratory coordination with the UCH Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory to support timely diagnosis and response to the Lassa Fever outbreak.
She acknowledged a strong intersectoral collaboration that has 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.
Ajetunmobi also appreciated the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) for its technical leadership and coordination.
She urged residents of Oyo State to adhere strictly to preventive measures against Lassa Fever, 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; and strict compliance with IPC protocols by healthcare workers.
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, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, said the ministry has 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.
Aderinto added that the ministry is engaging food vendors to ensure contaminated food is not sold to the public, while emphasising the importance of maintaining clean and safe environments.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the administration is prioritising the security and health sectors in the state, calling on residents to adhere strictly to preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health.
Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, Professor Jesse Otegbeye, represented by Professor Bukola Adesina, appreciated the Oyo State government for its swift response.
He described the support as robust, comprehensive, and reassuring, noting that resources made available by the state government greatly assisted in managing the situation effectively.
