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 public health measures to prevent further transmission.
The patient is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), in Ebonyi State.
Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed the development on Monday during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, the state capital, The News Edition reports.
Obidike said the government had intensified disease surveillance and public awareness efforts following the confirmation of the case.
Anambra Activates Emergency Disease Control Measures
According to the commissioner, the emergency meeting brought together health partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), to coordinate the state’s response.
The meeting resulted in the activation of the Incident Management System to strengthen monitoring, contact tracing and preparedness.
Health officials are expected to visit the affected household in Omasi, identify individuals who had contact with the patient and assess their exposure levels to determine the appropriate monitoring measures.
The government said these steps were intended to identify potential risks early and reduce the possibility of further transmission within the community.
Anambra Government Warns Residents Against Self-Medication
Obidike urged residents experiencing persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that fail to improve with appropriate treatment to seek medical attention promptly.
He cautioned against relying solely on self-medication, stressing that early diagnosis and proper medical care were essential to managing Lassa fever.
Because its early symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses, including malaria, residents were advised not to ignore persistent symptoms or delay seeking professional medical advice.
How Residents Can Prevent Lassa Fever
Anambra State Epidemiologist, Dr Chuma Emembolu, urged residents to adopt proper food storage and environmental hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection.
He advised households to keep food covered and store it in rodent-proof containers to prevent contamination by rats.
Emembolu also called on residents to maintain clean surroundings and prevent rodents from contaminating food, utensils and other household items with their urine and droppings.
He further warned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of people suspected or confirmed to have Lassa fever.
The epidemiologist stressed the importance of following infection prevention guidelines and instructions from qualified health professionals.
Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant
The state government urged residents of Omasi, other communities in Ayamelum Local Government Area and the wider Anambra State to remain vigilant and cooperate with public health officials.
Residents were also advised to avoid spreading unverified information about the confirmed case.
The government said the measures were designed to strengthen emergency preparedness, monitor people who may have been exposed to the infection and minimise the risk of further transmission.
The state has encouraged residents to prioritise hygiene, practise safe food storage and seek prompt medical attention when experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).