*Govt Moves To Contain Spread
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever in the state, with one death, while assuring residents that swift response measures have been activated to contain the spread and protect public health.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, explained that the confirmed cases were currently being managed in designated isolation and treatment facilities, including the State Infectious Disease Centre (IDC), Olodo, and the University College Hospital (UCH) isolation unit, where specialised clinical care and containment protocols were being implemented.
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).
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Friday, indicated that Ajetunmobi appreciated the State 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.
Dr. Ajetunmobi outlined key interventions already implemented, including the activation of the Incident Management System (IMS) and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), as well as the establishment of a multi-sectoral response team comprising the health, environment, agriculture, and information sectors.
She further noted that a comprehensive Incident Action Plan had been developed and was being implemented alongside intensified surveillance, including active case search and monitoring of over 200 identified contacts.
Other measures include 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 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.
She added that environmental sanitation, fumigation, and decontamination of affected areas were 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.
The Commissioner further emphasised strengthened laboratory coordination with the UCH Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory to support timely diagnosis and response.
Dr. Ajetunmobi urged residents of the state to adhere strictly to preventive measures, including proper storage of food in sealed, rodent-proof containers, maintenance of 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.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Makinde.
