Ebonyi Ministry of Health reports that Lassa Fever has claimed the lives of 10 individuals in the state between January 4 and February 16. The Disease Surveillance Notification Officer, Sampson Orogwu, disclosed this information in a statement issued in Abakaliki.
Mr. Orogwu stated that 25 people were infected, including two healthcare workers. He noted that out of the 25 infected individuals, 16 were male, and nine were female.
“The deceased include a pregnant woman and two children,” he added.
The affected local government areas include Onicha, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ebonyi, Izzi, Ohaukwu, and Abakaliki, with the Hausa quarters and Nkaliki areas in Abakaliki recording the highest number of cases.
Mr. Orogwu urged residents to report suspected cases to the ministry as treatment is provided free of charge. The State Epidemiologist, Ogbonna Nwambeke, also emphasized in the statement that the state government is collaborating with relevant partners to curb the spread of the disease.
“We call for the provision of logistics to enhance surveillance and community engagement against risk factors,” Mr. Nwambeke said. He advised people to refrain from bush burning, avoid consuming rats, and refrain from touching surfaces that may have been contaminated by an infected person.
Furthermore, he advised people to maintain high levels of personal and environmental hygiene, such as properly covering food and utensils.
Mr. Nwambeke appreciated the state government for providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to health workers at the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, ensuring their safety and that of others.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses. Humans usually contract the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats.
It is common in West Africa, with most people experiencing mild symptoms such as fever and headache.
