Lassa fever claims life of 30-year-old farmer in C’River

The Cross River State government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever in Obubra Local Government Area (LGA) following the death of a 30-year-old male farmer from Unincha community.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, made the announcement in a public statement on Sunday, disclosing that the victim died on February 17 at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FUTHA), Ebonyi State.

Reports indicate that the farmer sought medical attention at FUTHA on February 15 after experiencing symptoms for several days.

“He was diagnosed with Lassa Fever on February 16 but, despite medical intervention, passed away the following day,” Dr. Ayuk stated.

His body was prepared at FUTHA and transported to Unincha for a supervised burial conducted by the Obubra LGA Rapid Response Team.

In response to the outbreak, the Cross River State Lassa Fever Emergency Operation Center was activated on February 18.

Dr. Ayuk disclosed that state and LGA rapid response teams have been deployed to Unincha, working in collaboration with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain the spread of the virus.

Health authorities have initiated several containment measures, including:

Contact tracing and case monitoring

Town hall meetings with community leaders

Decontamination of affected homes

Sample collection for testing

Referral of symptomatic persons to designated health facilities

Distribution of Lassa Fever and cholera medications, emergency medical supplies, and consumables in high-risk LGAs

Dr. Ayuk reassured residents that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, is taking all necessary steps to control the outbreak and prevent further spread of infectious diseases.

He urged the public to remain vigilant against Lassa Fever, cholera, mpox, and other epidemic-prone illnesses, particularly as the early rains approach.

Lassa Fever, caused by the Lassa virus, is primarily transmitted through food or household items contaminated by Mastomys rats, which are commonly found in tropical regions. Symptoms range from general weakness, headache, sore throat, and muscle pain to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, uncontrollable bleeding.

The Commissioner advised residents to:

Maintain strict hygiene

Keep their surroundings clean

Store food in rat-proof containers

Seek immediate medical attention if they notice any symptoms

He strongly cautioned against self-medication and urged individuals to report suspected cases promptly.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health remains on high alert and continues to monitor the situation closely to prevent further spread.