The Ministry of Health in Cross River State has issued a warning about Lassa Fever Outbreak, with one fatality reported in the Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubra Local Government Area.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, and made available to newsmen on Thursday, noting that an investigation carried out on the deceased, confirmed he died of Lassa fever.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. It is typically transmitted to humans through contact with the urine or feces of infected rat. Person-to-person transmission can also occur.
The statement by Ayuk reads: “This is to notify the public of Lassa fever outbreak in Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubra LGA.
“Investigation has been concluded today (Wednesday), and details of the deceased, a resident of Obubra, gotten from Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebony State—confirmed he died of Lassa fever.
“We have consequently activated the Cross River State Emergency Operation Centre.
“The State Rapid Response Team will be going to Obubra on Thursday to join the LGA team to ensure: contact tracing, line listing, and decontamination of affected premises.
He added that the ministry has already sent out team to create awareness.
“Also, awareness creation and risk communication, as well as mobilisation of Lassa fever commodities, consumables, and personal protective equipment to General Hospital Obubra and other locations, have been activated,” Ayuk added.
