The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has established a fully equipped Lassa fever testing laboratory at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Akure, the capital of Ondo State. Previously, suspected Lassa fever cases in the state were sent to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo for testing and confirmation. However, with the new facility, testing can now be done within Akure, improving response time. Since the recent outbreak, Ondo State has recorded 400 suspected cases, with over 100 confirmed infections and several fatalities.
Speaking after inspecting the new facility, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Niran Ikuomola, stated that the laboratory would significantly strengthen the state’s public health system, allowing for faster diagnosis of Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.
Ikuomola expressed optimism that the new lab would enhance the state’s ability to control Lassa fever, improve case detection, and boost overall case management.
“We have seen the equipment, and this is a collaborative effort. They have also assisted in training personnel, while we have provided additional support to complement their efforts. Currently, FMC Owo is the only facility conducting Lassa fever testing in the state, but this new lab will help reduce fatalities,” he said.
Dele David Sunday, State Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), welcomed the development, stating that the laboratory would help curb Lassa fever fatalities by ensuring timely diagnosis and limiting the spread of infections within communities.
“This is a breakthrough in the fight against Lassa fever in Ondo State. The new facility will allow for early detection, ultimately reducing case fatality,” he noted.
Also speaking, Dr. Yetunde Abioye, representative of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), assured that the laboratory would be made fully functional, with a primary focus on Lassa fever testing.
Dr. Saiki Musa, Epidemiologist and Surveillance Manager at IHVN, emphasized that the lab was designed to complement the existing efforts at FMC Owo, further enhancing the state's response to Lassa fever outbreaks.
