The Cross River State government has confirmed a Lassa Fever outbreak in the Obubra Local Government Area (LGA) after a 30-year-old male farmer from the Unincha community passed away from the illness.
State Health Commissioner, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, announced the outbreak in a public statement on February 24, 2025, stating that the individual died on February 17 at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki (FUTHA), Ebonyi State.
Reports indicate the victim sought medical help at FUTHA on February 15 after experiencing symptoms for several days. He was diagnosed with Lassa Fever on February 16 but, despite receiving medical care, died the next day. His remains were prepared at FUTHA and transported back to Unincha for a supervised burial by the Obubra LGA Rapid Response Team.
In light of the outbreak, the Cross River State Lassa Fever Emergency Operation Center was activated on February 18.
Dr Ayuk announced that rapid response teams from both the state and LGA have been sent to Unincha, collaborating with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to manage the situation.
Health officials have implemented various containment strategies, including contact tracing, case monitoring, community awareness campaigns, meetings with local leaders, decontamination of affected homes, ample testing collection, referrals of symptomatic individuals to designated health facilities, and distributing medications and emergency supplies in high-risk LGAs.
Dr. Ayuk reassured residents that the state government, led by Governor Bassey Otu, is taking all necessary actions to manage the outbreak and prevent the further spread of infectious diseases.
He urged the public to stay vigilant against Lassa Fever, cholera, mpox, and other diseases, especially as the early rainy season approaches.
Dr. Ayuk explained that Lassa Fever is caused by the Lassa virus, which spreads through food or household items contaminated by Mastomys rats, commonly found in tropical areas. Symptoms can include weakness, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, heavy bleeding.
He urged residents to maintain good hygiene, keep their environments clean, store food in rat-proof containers, and seek prompt medical assistance if they experience any symptoms. He strongly discouraged self-medication and encouraged timely reporting of suspected cases.
The Cross River State Ministry of Health remains vigilant and continues to monitor the situation closely to prevent further transmission.
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