Lassa Fever Hits Anambra as Health Officials Begin Emergency Action

(Doctors treating a Lassa Fever patient. Photo by Punch News)
Anambra State has confirmed a Lassa fever case in a patient from Omasi, a community in Ayamelum Local Government Area.

The patient is being treated at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

State Health Commissioner Dr Afam Obidike made the announcement on Monday at an emergency meeting in Awka.

Health partners, including the World Health Organisation and Médecins Sans Frontières, attended.

The state has now started an emergency response to stop the disease from spreading.

Health workers will visit the affected home in Omasi.

They will also track everyone who came into contact with the patient and watch them closely based on how much exposure they had.

Residents who have a fever or malaria like symptoms that do not get better should see a doctor quickly.

Do not rely only on self medication.

State Epidemiologist Dr Chuma Emembolu also gave some advice.

Keep food covered and store it in containers that rats cannot get into.

Keep your home clean.

Avoid touching the blood or body fluids of anyone who may have Lassa fever.

Officials are asking people in Omasi and across the state to stay alert, work with health workers and avoid sharing information that has not been checked.