By Fasilat Lawal
Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, has assured residents that four contacts identified from a confirmed Lassa fever case are responding to treatment.
The patients, who were isolated after exposure to the index case, are currently receiving care at the Olodo Infectious Disease Hospital in Ibadan.
Dr Ajetunmobi gave the assurance while speaking to Radio Nigeria in Ibadan, explaining that five persons, including the deceased, tested positive for Lassa fever.
She noted that the deceased, a 44-year-old woman, had traveled to Oyo State from Edo State before her death.
Dr Ajetunmobi added that the Ministry of Health would ensure that all isolated patients test negative before they are discharged.
The commissioner further disclosed that the state government has activated a multi-sectoral response team comprising stakeholders from various ministries and tertiary health institutions under the “One Health” initiative.
According to her, the team is focused on sensitising residents, particularly at the grassroots, on preventive measures such as maintaining proper environmental hygiene, storing food in rodent-proof containers, proper waste disposal, and avoiding the drying of food items on the ground or roadside.
Dr Ajetunmobi also urged residents to adopt regular handwashing habits before food preparation, stressing that Lassa fever can be contracted through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their saliva, urine, or droppings.
It will be recalled that the 44-year-old female patient died at the University College Hospital on the 11th of this month, while laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received two days later.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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