Oyo State Ministry of Health has confirmed the deaths of two doctors and another hospital employee as a result of Lassa fever.
Dr. Bode Ladipo, the state’s Commissioner for Health, disclosed this to Governor’s Office Correspondents in his office at the secretariat, while recalling the state government’s increased efforts to halt the spread of the Lassa fever outbreak since the first case was discovered in the state in January 2022.
He stated that the medical practitioners, numbering around four, were admitted to a private health facility earlier this week, but three died later.
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Dr. Ladipo stated that surveillance activities have been increased at the grassroots level throughout the state, and that individuals at risk of the disease now have access to care.
“The state ministry of health wishes to address the causes of death of health workers in the state from Lassa fever,” the commissioner stated. In the early days of the week, four health workers from a private health facility were admitted to the treatment center.”
“All four were confirmed positive for Lassa fever following diagnostic investigations.” Sadly, three of them, two doctors and another member of the hospital staff, died despite expert care.”
“There have been nineteen confirmed cases and four deaths so far.” Surveillance activities have been ramped up at the state’s grassroots level. To prevent the spread of this disease across the state, resources have also been deployed to designated health facilities.
The health commissioner, on the other hand, requested immediate medical attention for anyone detected with Lassa fever symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, generalized body weakness, or any other chronic health condition, while admonishing health workers to follow universal safety precautions in the course of their duties.
He also believed that providing high-quality health care necessitated everyone sharing responsibility for safety and purpose.
“The public is also urged to maintain calm while adhering to strict preventive measures.”
“We implore all health facilities across the state to keep a high index of suspicion and report all suspected cases to the LGAs or state health authorities,” he said.