The Oyo State Ministry of Health closed two hospitals in Saki West Local Government Area following a suspected outbreak of Lassa fever, confirmed to have caused four deaths.
The Oyo State Rapid Response Team (RRT) from the Ministry of Health responded to distress calls from residents regarding several mysterious deaths in the area.
The fatalities include three men and a 32-year-old woman who had been preparing for her wedding.
Following reports from Saki West, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, dispatched the RRT, including public health officials, WHO and Red Cross representatives, and local health authorities, to investigate.
Initial findings indicate the outbreak may have originated from an apprentice who recently returned from Iwajowa Local Government Area, fell ill, and was believed to have infected colleagues and the hospital owner.
Three of the deceased exhibited symptoms consistent with Lassa fever, including craniofacial bleeding, while the hospital owner developed fatigue and initially self-medicated before seeking hospital care.
Contact tracing focused on high-risk individuals involved in handling the deceased, and the hospitals associated with the outbreak were closed for thorough decontamination.
Health personnel who treated the affected patients were placed under observation, and public awareness campaigns were launched to educate the community on Lassa fever transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures.
The RRT provided on-the-job training for local health workers to strengthen infection prevention and control practices and prevent further spread.
The team collected samples from symptomatic individuals for laboratory confirmation, with contact tracing ongoing.
Community engagement efforts included advocacy visits to local leaders, including the Okere of Saki, who was briefed on containment measures.
Authorities in Saki West and surrounding areas, including Iwajowa and Kajola LGAs, were notified and are working with the RRT on preventive measures.
