A recent outbreak of Lassa Fever in Obubra Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State has resulted in the death of a 30-year-old male farmer from Unincha community.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, confirmed the outbreak and revealed that the deceased succumbed to the disease on February 17 at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FUTHA), Ebonyi State.
According to Dr. Ayuk, the victim had sought medical attention at FUTHA on February 15 after experiencing symptoms for several days. He was diagnosed with Lassa Fever on February 16 but, despite medical intervention, passed away the following day.
In response to the outbreak, the Cross River State Lassa Fever Emergency Operation Center was activated on February 18. The state and LGA rapid response teams have been deployed to Unincha, working closely with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain the spread.
The containment measures include contact tracing and case monitoring, community engagement and sensitization campaigns, town hall meetings with community leaders, decontamination of affected homes, collection of samples for testing, referral of symptomatic persons to designated health facilities, and distribution of Lassa Fever and cholera medications, consumables, and other emergency medical supplies in high-risk LGAs.
Dr. Ayuk reassured residents that the state government is taking all necessary steps to control the outbreak and prevent further spread of infectious diseases. He urged the public to remain vigilant against Lassa Fever, cholera, mpox, and other epidemic-prone illnesses, particularly as the early rains approach.
Lassa Fever is caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted through food or household items contaminated by Mastomys rats, commonly found in tropical regions. Symptoms range from general weakness, headache, sore throat, and muscle pain to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, uncontrollable bleeding.
The Commissioner advised residents to maintain strict hygiene, keep their surroundings clean, store food in rat-proof containers, and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if they notice any symptoms.
