A disturbing report from Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria, say an outbreak of Lassa fever in seven of the 13 Local Government Areas has claimed 14 lives with several others infected persons on the danger list.
AIT.live gathered that the Hausa Quarters and Nkaliki area in the state capital city, Abakaliki are the worst hit as Director of Public Health and Disease Control in the State Ministry of Health, Hyacinth Ebenyi gave breakdown of latest data on the outbreak.
With 14 deaths already and 29 confirmed cases that include two healthcare workers, the figures raise concerns on the volatility of the spread, and medical responses to the latest Lassa disease outbreak in the State.
Many say the official records may not be entirely accurate, with some accounts putting the number of infected persons as high as over 110.
State Health officials admit that many cases may remain largely unreported, especially from the hinterlands and farm settlements where the consumption of rats and other rodents is common.
Ebonyi is said to be one of the states endemic to the disease, with neighbouring Benue and Cross River states recording high incidents in past years.
However, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma in an exclusive chat with AIT.live says, there is no need to panic as vigorous contact tracing is ongoing.
Lassa fever disease is preventable, which is why experts are emphasising the need for people to be sensitised on health safety measures, that include; keeping clean environments, avoiding bush burning, being mindful of what they eat, as well as appropriately covering their meals.
They urge residents to present suspected cases early to the hospitals, when people have symptoms such as high fever, body weakness as well as bleeding from mouth or nose.
Lassa fever outbreak in Ebonyi State is not new as it occurs yearly, recording casualties, yet locals appear to lack adequate information on the deadly infectious disease.
Some residents of the capital, Abakaliki want the government to do more on sensitisation of the people on preventive measures.
With the dry season still on, members of the general public are advised on some health tips to check the Lassa fever epidemic, by looking out for early signs and symptoms as well as taking up safety measures, practice infection prevention and control measures at homes, workplaces, keep clean environments, cover their meals against rats and rodents, among others..
Health experts have identified Lassa fever as a hemorrhagic illness, caused by viruses transmitted from animal to human beings. Records show that rats are the most common animal that transmits the virus which is usually prevalent during the dry season.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
