The Ebonyi State Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that Lassa fever had resulted in the loss of 14 lives within the state.
Hyacinth Ebenyi, the director of Public Health at the ministry, disclosed this figure during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.
He expressed alarm over the 14 fatalities, which were among the 29 confirmed cases of the disease reported as of February 20.
Mr. Ebenyi voiced concern about the recent surge in suspected cases, totaling 110, across the state.
“Yes, there has been an increase in the cases of Lassa fever. The disease is really endemic in the state. It did not just start; it has been here, most times, during the dry season,” he stated.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, he emphasized that out of the 29 confirmed cases, 14 individuals had succumbed to the illness by Tuesday.
However, Mr. Ebenyi urged residents not to succumb to panic, assuring them of the state government’s concerted efforts to combat the disease.
He cautioned against consuming rats and advised against any contact with their bodily fluids, stressing the potentially fatal nature of Lassa fever.
“Lassa fever is a killer-disease. People should stop eating rat. Do not allow it to have any contact with your food,” he emphasized.
Enumerating the symptoms of the disease, including high fever, weakness, and headaches, he underscored the urgency of seeking medical treatment promptly.
“These signs progress within a short time, and if nothing is done, the affected person will start to bleed from the body openings until it affects the important organs of the body, and next will be death. Affected persons should go to the hospital for treatment immediately,” he advised.
