COVID-19: Lack of testing hides true spread, Oyo govt warns

The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, has raised concerns that the drastic drop in COVID-19 testing is masking the true spread of the virus, warning that authorities cannot confirm whether the infection has been eliminated.

Ajetunmobi, speaking on the sidelines of a joint press briefing on Lassa fever, noted that although fewer cases are being detected, this does not necessarily mean the disease is no longer circulating, given the limited testing capacity.

“We are not testing, and because we are not testing, we cannot really ascertain whether it has gone or not,” she said, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the current public health situation.

She explained that most of the cases currently identified are imported, involving individuals arriving from abroad who are tested after showing symptoms.

“Except for those importing it, those are the cases we are seeing. They come in, they get tested, and sometimes the results are positive,” she said.

The commissioner revealed that testing is now largely restricted to cases with a high index of suspicion, rather than being conducted routinely, a situation she warned could increase the risk of undetected community transmission.

Highlighting a recent case in Rivers State, Ajetunmobi said a foreign national who arrived from China was only tested after presenting symptoms such as fever and breathing difficulties, with his travel history raising initial concerns.

“In priority diseases like this, travel history is critical. That was what raised the suspicion. He was tested, confirmed positive, and isolated,” she explained.

While she acknowledged that many people may have developed some level of immunity, she cautioned against complacency.

On vaccination, the commissioner disclosed that immunisation efforts have also slowed significantly and are now mostly limited to individuals who request it, particularly those travelling to high-risk areas.

“Vaccination is no longer routine. It is mainly for those going to endemic regions,” she said.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Oyo State Coordinator, Dr Philip Zorto, assured Nigerians that there is no need to panic over COVID-19 or Lassa fever, urging strict adherence to preventive measures to curb transmission.

Responding to concerns about whether Nigerians should be afraid of the diseases, Zorto said fear is unnecessary if proper health guidelines are followed.

He emphasised the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, including regular handwashing, wearing face masks, and maintaining social distancing.

Zorto also advised proper respiratory hygiene, urging Nigerians to avoid coughing into their hands and instead use their elbows or disposable tissues, which should be properly discarded.

He added that early health-seeking behaviour remains critical in controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

“Once you begin to experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, cough, or difficulty in breathing, it is important to go to a health facility. Healthcare workers will carry out investigations to determine the cause and provide appropriate care,” he said.

A public health physician at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Dr Pelumi Adebiyi, also urged Nigerians not to relax preventive measures against infectious diseases, warning that complacency could reverse gains made in recent years.

He stressed that vigilance should not be limited to COVID-19 but should extend to all infectious diseases, noting that adherence to basic health practices remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness.

Adebiyi further advised Nigerians to pay close attention to persistent symptoms, particularly fever, warning against the common practice of self-medication or delaying medical care.

He cautioned that ignoring early signs of illness could lead to complications and increase the risk of transmission within communities.