The Oyo State Ministry of Health has shut down two hospitals in Saki West Local Government Area following the suspected outbreak of Lassa fever.
This action comes after the confirmation of four deaths in the area, which were investigated by the Oyo State Rapid Response Team (RRT) from the Ministry of Health.
The RRT was deployed to the affected area after residents raised alarms over what they described as “mysterious deaths.”
The fatalities include three males and one 32-year-old female who was preparing for her marriage. The situation has prompted serious concerns within the community, leading to swift action by the health authorities.
In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, confirmed that the state’s Rapid Response Team was dispatched to Saki West following several reports from the local government area indicating an outbreak that led to multiple deaths.
The team, comprising the Director of Public Health, the State Epidemiologist, the State Disease Notification Officer (DSNO), State Laboratory Focal Persons, as well as representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Red Cross, conducted a comprehensive investigation into the situation.
According to background information gathered, the outbreak may have originated from an apprentice at one of the hospitals, who had recently returned from Iwajowa Local Government Area. The apprentice, who fell ill about two weeks before the deaths, is suspected to have introduced the infection into the hospital. The RRT noted that “she likely transmitted it to her co-workers and the hospital owner.”
Three of the deceased exhibited typical symptoms of Lassa fever, including craniofacial bleeding, while the hospital owner initially showed fatigue and self-medicated with antimalarials and antibiotics. His condition only prompted hospital admission when his self-treatment failed.
In response to the outbreak, both hospitals associated with the deceased patients were closed for decontamination. The first hospital, where all the fatalities were linked, was shut down to prevent further spread of the disease.
The second hospital, which had admitted the owner of the first hospital without knowledge of the “unknown” illness, was also closed for decontamination. The attending doctor has been placed under surveillance as part of the ongoing containment efforts.
Extensive contact tracing was carried out, particularly focusing on individuals involved in the bathing and burial of the deceased. Public awareness campaigns were launched to educate the community about Lassa fever, its symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures.
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The Oyo State Rapid Response Team also provided on-the-job training for health workers in the affected areas to reinforce Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols and reduce the risk of further spread. Additionally, sample collection was carried out from individuals exhibiting symptoms of Lassa fever, pending laboratory confirmation.
Advocacy visits were made to the palace of the Okere of Saki, who was represented by his second-in-command. The palace was briefed on the outbreak and the necessary containment measures. Local government authorities within Saki West Local Government Area have also been informed and are cooperating with state health authorities to manage the situation.
Initial investigations revealed that the outbreak was concentrated in Saki West Local Government Area but has since spread to neighboring Iwajowa and Kajola LGAs. The DSNOs in these areas have been instructed to begin preliminary containment measures while awaiting the full deployment of the State RRT.
Residents of the affected area have voiced concerns about the mysterious deaths. Mr.
According to a local resident: “Three days ago, one nurse died and on Monday another nurse died and yesterday, the doctor and another nurse died. We are afraid because we don’t know what caused their deaths.
The doctor is a quack doctor. Maybe all of them treated a patient who has a contagious disease which, I think, was not well handled.
It’s a very big hospital. They carry out minor surgery on patients and at times they invite doctors elsewhere to join them.
If it’s a contagious disease, how come that no patients died but the staff? People are also speculating that it could be food poisoning.
Maybe one of them ate food and gave others to eat. We don’t know. All these are mere assumptions until those responsible for monitoring these hospitals carry out an autopsy on the deceased. None of the patients died, it’s only the staff of the hospital.
All of them have been buried. You know they are Muslim. Please, the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies should step in.”
Another resident, Mr. Adeola Fehintola, a legal practitioner, urged health authorities to conduct a thorough investigation:
“You know Saki is very close to the borders. Maybe someone with a contagious disease has just come in. My people are living there, those in charge should do something urgent to know the actual cause of death.”*
The Oyo State Ministry of Health has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease. Authorities are calling for vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspected cases of Lassa fever.
