The Oyo State Government has officially confirmed the presence of Lassa fever at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan.
This announcement was made on Wednesday in Ibadan through a statement released by the state's Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi.
According to the statement, the case involved a 44-year-old female patient who had been undergoing treatment at UCH and sadly passed away on April 11. Laboratory confirmation of the Lassa fever diagnosis was received on April 13.
Commissioner Ajetunmobi stated that upon confirmation of the case, the state's Ministry of Health promptly put its emergency response protocols into action.
She further indicated that the Incident Management System (IMS) specifically for Lassa Fever has been activated. This system is designed to coordinate all activities related to the response to the outbreak.
The commissioner detailed that significant steps have been taken to identify and closely monitor all individuals who had contact with the deceased patient. Efforts are also underway to ensure that a safe and dignified burial is carried out.
Residents have been urged to seek prompt medical attention if they experience any symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever. These symptoms include persistent fever, severe weakness or fatigue, sore throat, and occurrences of vomiting or diarrhoea.
“Other symptoms to watch out for are unexplained bleeding (from gums, nose, urine, or injection sites), chest pain or difficulty in breathing,” she advised.
Mrs. Ajetunmobi stressed the importance of early presentation at any healthcare facility, noting that it significantly enhances the chances of a patient's recovery.
She provided further context on Lassa fever, explaining that it is a viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. The primary mode of transmission is through exposure to food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected rodents.
Additionally, the disease can spread from person to person via contact with bodily fluids from an infected individual, especially in healthcare environments where adequate infection control measures may not be strictly followed.
The commissioner recommended that all residents maintain a high standard of environmental hygiene. This includes keeping homes and surrounding areas clean, storing food securely in containers that prevent rodent access, proper waste disposal, and avoiding the practice of drying food items on the ground or along roadsides.
“They should take deliberate steps to avoid contact with rodents by sealing holes and other entry points in their homes.
“Good personal hygiene must be practised at all times, including regular hand washing with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitisers where necessary.
“Furthermore, anyone experiencing symptoms of Lassa fever is advised to promptly report through the designated emergency lines: 08033742052 and 08025245809, while all health workers are enjoined to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols at all times,” she added.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government's dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of all its residents.
She mentioned that surveillance efforts across the state have been enhanced, and all healthcare facilities have been placed on a heightened state of alert.
“Consequently, the government is strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
“Residents are hereby assured that there is no cause for panic and the situation is under control.
“All necessary public health measures are being effectively implemented,” she concluded.
She also pointed out that Lassa fever is both preventable and treatable, particularly when diagnosed and managed in its early stages.
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