The Anambra State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever involving a patient linked to Omasi community in Ayamelum Local Government Area, prompting the activation of emergency measures to prevent further transmission.
Top government officials disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Awka, where they announced intensified disease surveillance and public awareness campaigns following confirmation of the case.
The government said it had convened an emergency meeting involving health partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), resulting in the activation of the Incident Management System to coordinate the state’s response.
The affected patient is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), in Ebonyi State.
As part of the response, health officials are expected to visit the affected household in Omasi to identify people who may have had contact with the patient.
The contacts will be assessed and classified according to their level of exposure for appropriate monitoring and follow-up.
The government urged residents experiencing persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that do not improve with appropriate treatment to seek medical attention promptly.
It cautioned against relying solely on self-medication, stressing that early diagnosis and proper medical care are essential in managing the disease.
Residents were also advised to keep food covered, store it in rodent-proof containers and maintain clean surroundings to prevent rats from contaminating food and household items with their urine and droppings.
The government further warned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Lassa fever patients, urging residents to observe infection prevention measures and follow the guidance of health professionals.
Residents of Omasi, other communities in Ayamelum and the wider Anambra State were urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information about the outbreak.
The government said the measures were aimed at strengthening preparedness, monitoring potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) caused by the Lassa virus. The natural reservoir for the virus is the multimammate rat (also known as the African rat). Other rodents can also act as carriers of the virus.
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