A recent outbreak of suspected Lassa fever in Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a 32-year-old bride-to-be.
The Oyo State Rapid Response Team (RRT) confirmed the fatalities, which comprised three males and one female.
According to Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the State Commissioner for Health, the RRT was dispatched to Saki following reports of an outbreak that had claimed multiple lives.
The team, consisting of public health experts, epidemiologists, and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Red Cross, conducted a thorough investigation.
Preliminary findings indicate that the outbreak originated from an apprentice at a local hospital who had returned from Iwajowa and fell ill two weeks prior to the incident.
A statement signed by Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State said the apprentice likely transmitted the infection to coworkers and the hospital owner.
Three of the deceased exhibited typical symptoms of Lassa fever, including craniofacial bleeding, while the hospital owner showed fatigue and self-medicated with antimalarials and antibiotics.
Extensive contact tracing was conducted, focusing on high-risk contacts involved in the bathing and burial of the deceased.
To contain the outbreak, the hospital where the deceased were associated was closed for decontamination, and the hospital that admitted the deceased health facility owner was also shut down.The doctor involved was placed under surveillance.
The RRT conducted public awareness campaigns to educate the community about Lassa fever, its transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures.
On-the-job training was provided to health workers to reinforce Infection Prevention Control protocols.
Sample collection is ongoing for individuals exhibiting symptoms, pending laboratory confirmation.
Advocacy visits were conducted to inform local government authorities and traditional leaders about the outbreak and necessary containment measures.
The outbreak has now extended to Iwajowa and Kajola Local Government Areas, prompting preliminary containment efforts.
The Oyo State RRT is working to manage the situation and prevent further spread of the disease.
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