THE chairman of the Governing Council of The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic Saki, Barr. Lateef Sarafadeen Abiola, popularly known as Onijo, has commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his quick response on the suspected cases of Lassa Fever in Saki West Local Government Area.
He gave the commendation on Thursday during a meeting with some of the youths in Saki land held at his Law office in Isale Taba area, Saki.
Recall that the Oyo State Rapid Response Team (RRT) had earlier confirmed about four deaths, linked to a suspected Lassa fever outbreak in the Local Government.
The fatalities consisted of three males and one 32-year-old female who was preparing for her marriage.
Onijo, who lauded the State Governor for putting in place necessary containment measures to address the outbreak, however educated the youths to be very vigilant and be conscious of their health in combating the possible spread of the Lassa Fever outbreak in the community.
The doyen of politics added that any strange feelings in their body should be promptly reported to medical doctors and people should desist from the habit of self medication.
In his words: “I must sincerely commend His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, for his quick response to the incident of health challenges that rears up ugly head in Saki West Local Government.
“I also appreciate the Governor for sending the apposite experts to Saki to combat the outbreak, consisting of the Director of Public Health, the State Epidemiologist, State Disease Notification Officer (DSNO), State Laboratory Focal Persons, representatives from WHO and Red Cross.
“The response team were able to embark on a comprehensive investigation to the scene of the incidence and also enhanced infection prevention and control training for healthcare workers.
“The team equally collaborated with local leaders and health experts to educate residents on Lassa fever causes and transmission modes as well as provided timely intervention for affected individuals and high-risk contacts.
“Since prevention is always preferable to treatment, I must genuinely implore the Saki community’s youths and residents to exercise extreme caution and health consciousness in order to stop the potential spread of what is thought to be a Lassa fever outbreak.
“They should promptly report to medical doctors if they experience any unusual bodily sensations, and people should desist from the habit of self medication”.
MOUTHPIECE NGR gathered that 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 co-workers and the clinic owner.
