Oyo State Lassa Fever Outbreak

Nigeria — Oyo State has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever, resulting in one fatality. The state government, led by Commissioner for Health Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, has swiftly activated its emergency response framework, in line with guidelines from the Nigeria — Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and World Health Organization. Key interventions include the activation of the Incident Management System and Emergency Operations Center, establishment of a multi-sectoral response team, intensified surveillance with over 200 contacts being monitored, and the deployment of the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS). Isolation centers, including the State Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, and University College Hospital, Ibadan, have been operationalized, and essential drugs like Ribavirin have been pre-positioned. Infection prevention and control measures, safe burial protocols, environmental sanitation, and public risk communication are also ongoing. Governor Seyi Makinde's approval of emergency funds facilitated the rapid response. Commissioners Ademola Aderinto and Dotun Oyelade have also highlighted efforts in environmental hygiene and public awareness. The Nigeria — Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has warned of a national rise in Lassa fever fatalities.