Oyo government Shuts Down Two Hospitals in Saki West Over Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak
The Oyo State Ministry of Health has shut down two hospitals in the Saki West Local Government Area following a suspected Lassa fever outbreak.
This action follows the confirmation of four deaths, reported by the Oyo State Rapid Response Team (RRT), which visited the affected area after distress calls from residents about what they described as mysterious deaths.
The fatalities included three males and a 32-year-old woman, who had been preparing for her marriage. The deaths were linked to symptoms typical of Lassa fever, such as craniofacial bleeding.
The state government promptly dispatched the RRT, comprising officials from various health bodies, including the State Epidemiologist and representatives from the World Health Organization and Red Cross, to investigate the outbreak. Their findings suggest that the infection might have been introduced by an apprentice who had recently returned from Iwajowa Local Government Area and later fell ill.
The team believes that she likely transmitted the virus to hospital staff and the hospital owner, who eventually fell ill and sought medical attention after self-medicating with antimalarials and antibiotics.
As part of the containment efforts, extensive contact tracing was carried out, focusing on high-risk individuals, especially those involved in the burial and bathing of the deceased. Both hospitals, which were linked to the outbreak, have been closed for decontamination. In addition, the health facility that admitted the hospital owner was also closed for similar measures, while the attending doctor has been placed under surveillance. Public awareness campaigns have been launched to educate the local community about Lassa fever, its symptoms, transmission, and prevention.
The outbreak, initially confined to Saki West, has now spread to Iwajowa and Kajola LGAs. The Ministry of Health is working closely with local authorities to monitor the situation, and preliminary containment measures have been implemented in these areas. Meanwhile, the RRT continues its investigation and will provide additional support as needed to prevent further spread of the disease.
