The Anambra State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever involving a patient linked to Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), Ebonyi State.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Monday during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Awka.
Obidike said the state government had activated an emergency response to prevent further transmission of the disease.
He said the state had intensified disease surveillance and public awareness, while the Incident Management System had been activated with the support of health partners, including the World Health Organisation and Médecins Sans Frontières.
According to him, health officials would follow up with the affected household in Omasi, identify people who had contact with the patient and classify them according to their level of exposure for appropriate monitoring.
The commissioner urged residents experiencing persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that do not improve with appropriate treatment to seek medical attention promptly.
He warned against relying solely on self-medication, stressing that early diagnosis and proper medical care were crucial to managing the disease.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Chuma Emembolu, advised residents to keep food covered and store it in rodent-proof containers to prevent contamination by rats.
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Emembolu also urged residents to maintain clean surroundings and prevent rodents from contaminating food and household items with urine and droppings.
He warned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Lassa fever patients, urging residents to comply strictly with infection prevention measures and the guidance of health professionals.
“We urge residents of Omasi, other communities in Ayamelum and the state at large to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information.
“These measures are aimed at strengthening preparedness, monitoring potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission,” he said.
