LASSA FEVER CLAIMS LIFE OF 30-YEAR-OLD FARMER IN CROSS RIVER. (PHOTO).

 Lassa Fever Claims Life of 30-Year-Old Farmer in Cross River

...As Government Deploys Rapid Response Team to Affected LGAs

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 farmer from Unincha community.

Announcing the development in a public statement on Monday, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, revealed that the deceased passed away on February 17 at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FUTHA), Ebonyi State.

According to reports, 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, he sadly succumbed to the disease the following day.

"His remains were prepared at FUTHA and transported to Unincha community for a supervised burial carried out 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 stated.

The Commissioner further disclosed that both state and LGA rapid response teams have been deployed to Unincha, collaborating with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain the spread of the disease.

Containment measures implemented include:

Contact tracing and case monitoring

Community engagement and sensitization campaigns

Town hall meetings with community leaders

Decontamination of affected homes

Sample collection for testing

Referral of symptomatic individuals to designated health facilities

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

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

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

Explaining the nature of the disease, Ayuk noted that Lassa Fever is caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted through food or household items contaminated by Mastomys rats, which are common in tropical regions. Symptoms range from 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, and seek immediate medical attention if they notice any symptoms.

He also strongly cautioned against self-medication and urged prompt reporting of suspected cases to health authorities.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health remains on high alert, closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread of the disease.