The Oyo State Government has confirmed a Lassa fever outbreak, with five reported cases and one fatality, prompting an urgent public health response.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said confirmed patients are receiving treatment at designated facilities, including the State Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo and the isolation unit at the University College Hospital.
She explained that authorities have activated emergency protocols in line with guidelines from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
According to her, the state has deployed a coordinated, multi-sectoral response involving health, environment, agriculture, and information agencies to contain the outbreak.
Governor Seyi Makinde was commended for approving emergency funding, enabling rapid mobilisation of response teams and resources.
Key measures include the activation of the Incident Management System and Emergency Operations Centre, alongside intensified surveillance and monitoring of over 200 contacts linked to confirmed cases.
Health authorities have also deployed the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) for real-time tracking, while treatment centres have been equipped with essential supplies, including Ribavirin.
Infection prevention efforts have been strengthened through the distribution of personal protective equipment and enforcement of safety protocols. Officials are also carrying out environmental sanitation, fumigation, and decontamination of affected areas.
Public awareness campaigns are ongoing, with residents urged to maintain hygiene and promptly report symptoms.
Laboratory coordination has been enhanced through collaboration with UCH’s virology unit to ensure faster diagnosis and response.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak, assuring residents that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard public health.
