Oyo govt links four deaths in Saki to suspected Lassa fever outbreak

The Oyo State Rapid Response Team (RRT) has confirmed four deaths linked to a suspected Lassa fever outbreak in the Saki West Local Government Area of the state. The deceased include three men and a 32-year-old woman who was reportedly preparing for her wedding.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, had directed the Oyo State RRT to Saki after receiving numerous reports from the Saki West Local Government regarding an outbreak that had resulted in multiple deaths.

The team, which included the Director of Public Health, the State Epidemiologist, the State Disease Notification Officer (DSNO), State Laboratory Focal Persons, and representatives from WHO, the Red Cross, the Saki West PHC Coordinator, and the LGA DSNO, conducted a comprehensive investigation at the site of the outbreak.

Background information suggested that one of the apprentices at the hospital, who had recently returned from Iwajowa and fell ill about two weeks before the outbreak, was suspected to have introduced the infection, likely transmitting it to her colleagues and the hospital owner.

Three of the deceased displayed typical Lassa fever symptoms, including craniofacial bleeding, while the hospital owner experienced fatigue and attempted self-treatment with antimalarials and antibiotics. He only sought hospital admission when his condition worsened.

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Extensive contact tracing was conducted, focusing on high-risk contacts involved in the bathing and burial of the deceased. The hospital associated with the deceased was closed for decontamination, along with another facility where the deceased hospital owner had been admitted without the staff being informed of the deaths due to an “unknown” illness. The doctor there was placed under surveillance.

Public awareness campaigns were held to educate the community about Lassa fever, its transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures. The RRT also provided on-the-job training for health workers in the affected areas to reinforce Infection Prevention Control protocols and prevent further spread.

Samples were collected from a symptomatic individual, pending laboratory confirmation, and contact listing is still underway, prioritizing high-risk individuals.

Advocacy visits were also made to the palace of the Okere of Saki, represented by his deputy, who was briefed on the outbreak and necessary containment measures. Local government authorities in Saki West were also informed and are collaborating to manage the situation.

The investigation further revealed that the outbreak initially involved Saki West LGA but has since spread to Iwajowa and Kajola LGAs. The DSNOs in these areas have been instructed to initiate preliminary containment efforts while awaiting full support from the State RRT.