Lassa Fever Outbreak: Saki West Lawmaker, Shittu Ibrahim Calls For Enhanced Infection Control Measures
Mosope Kehinde
The Oyo State Government has been urged to enhance infection prevention and control training for healthcare workers following a Lassa fever outbreak in Saki.
The Lassa Fever reportedly resulted in five deaths within three days.
Hon. Shittu Ibrahim Aremu, representing Saki West State Constituency brought the matter of urgent public importance to the floor.
He highlighted the need for swift action against the disease.
According to Hon. Shittu Ibrahim, “The outbreak was detected at a private clinic in Oke Sunna, Saki town, where an apprentice, recently returned from Iwajowa Local Government, unknowingly spread the infection to coworkers and the clinic owner.”
He said despite the deployment of the Rapid Response Team by the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, there is a significant need for increased public awareness on symptoms and preventive measures of Lassa Fever.
Hon. Shittu Ibrahim harped on the need for Oyo State Government to strengthen infection prevention and control training for healthcare workers, collaborate with local leaders and health experts to educate residents on Lassa fever causes and transmission modes and monitor potential spread and provide timely intervention for affected individuals and high-risk contacts.
The other lawmakers in their contributions emphasized the importance of continuous health surveillance in Saki West, Iwajowa, and Kajola Local Government Areas.
