The Oyo State Government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever, with one death, assuring residents that response measures have been activated to contain the outbreak.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi disclosed this during a press briefing in Ibadan, noting that the confirmed cases are being managed at designated isolation and treatment facilities, including the state Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo, and the University College Hospital isolation unit.
Dr. Ajetunmobi stated that the government had activated the Incident Management System and Emergency Operations Centre, alongside the establishment of a multi-sectoral response team, comprising officials from the health, environment, agriculture and information sectors.
According to her, surveillance has been intensified, including active case search and monitoring of over 200 identified contacts.
The commissioner said infection prevention and control measures had also been strengthened, with provision of personal protective equipment and implementation of safe burial protocols.
She added that environmental sanitation, fumigation and decontamination of affected areas were ongoing, while healthcare workers were undergoing continuous training.
While calling for immediate reporting of suspected cases to the nearest health facility, Dr. Ajetunmobi urged residents to adhere strictly to preventive measures, including proper food storage, maintaining clean environments, avoiding contact with rodents and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms such as fever, vomiting or bleeding.
Representative of the Chief Medical Director of the UCH, Prof. Jesse Otegbeye, commended the state government’s swift response, describing it as comprehensive and effective.
