A pregnant woman, two children, and ten (10) men and women have succumbed to the Lassa fever outbreak in Ebonyi State.
The Disease Surveillance Notification Officer, Mr. Orogwu Sampson of the Ministry of Health, disclosed this over the weekend.
According to Orogwu, between January 4th and February 16th, 2024, no fewer than 25 confirmed cases have been recorded, including two health workers.
Mr. Orogwu mentioned that out of the 25 confirmed cases, 16 were men, while nine (9) were women.
He disclosed the affected local government areas, including Onicha, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ebonyi, Izzi, Ohaukwu, Abakaliki with Hausa quarters, and Nkaliki residential areas, recording the highest number of cases.
“The other LGAs that have not recorded a case so far may be because they have not reported, not that it doesn’t exist there,” he added.
He emphasized that treatment is free and urged people to seek early detection, early presentation, and treatment to prevent further loss of lives.
Additionally, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Ogbonna Nwambeke, outlined the efforts of the State Government, together with partners such as WHO, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, UNICEF, among others, to reduce the ugly menace. He called for the provision of logistics to increase surveillance and community engagement against risk factors.
Dr. Nwambeke advised people to refrain from bush burning, avoid consuming rats, and refrain from touching surfaces that an infected person has touched. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a high level of personal and environmental hygiene, such as properly covering food and utensils.
He expressed appreciation to the State Government for providing a large volume of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for health workers at the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, ensuring that their own health workers are equipped to save others.
