Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IVHN) has established a laboratory for Lassa fever testing at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Akure, Ondo State. This development is expected to strengthen the state’s public health laboratory and improve its capacity to test for Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Niran Ikuomola, expressed optimism on Wednesday that the state would be able to control Lassa fever reasonably, citing the collaborative effort between the state government and IVHN.
“We have seen the equipment, and it is a collaborative effort. They have been assisting in training of personnel. We have provided things to complement what they have provided,” Ikuomola said.
Ondo State has recorded 400 suspected cases of Lassa fever since its recent outbreak, with over 100 cases confirmed and several deaths reported. Ikuomola acknowledged the challenges posed by the outbreak, stating, “We have 400 suspected cases and confirmed 100. I would have loved to give you specific number of deaths. We have recorded some deaths.”
State Coordinator for World Health Organisation, Dele David Sunday, welcomed the new laboratory, saying it would help reduce fatality rates and prevent the spread of the disease within communities.
The new laboratory is expected to improve case management and detection, with Representative of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Dr. Yetunde Abioye, assuring that it would be made functional to test for Lassa fever.
Epidemiologist and Surveillance Manager, IHVN, Dr. Saiki Musa, noted that the laboratory was established to complement efforts at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, which was previously the only facility conducting testing for Lassa fever in the state.
