The Delta State Government has confirmed outbreak of the dreaded Lassa fever in the state with four cases so far recorded.
The state commissioner for health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, made the announcement on Friday in Asaba, the state capital.
The cases were recorded in Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ndokwa East local government areas of the state.
Briefing newsmen on the development, Onojaeme, called on Delta residents to keep their environment clean and ensure that rats do not breed in or around their homes.
He said the statement government has constituted Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) across the state to monitor the situation and ensure residents are periodically updated of the development.
Onojaeme said the government is doing a lot of advocacy, especially to health workers, and sensitisation of residents to have a high index of suspicion when they see those cases.
According to him, “In week 12, we have four confirmed cases so far recorded with a fatality rate of 50% though the general fatality rate for Lassa fever is 1 – 15% so we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that we curtail the transmission from patient to health workers and from patients to relatives.”
He said the government is doing a lot of advocacy, especially to health workers, and sensitisation of residents to have a high index of suspicion when they see those cases.
He said that the State government is working closely with Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State, and has been able to achieve less than 24 hours of getting test results on Lassa fever as against what was commonly obtainable which was within the range of 72 hours.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Mildred Igumbor said one case of Lassa fever is an outbreak hence all hands should be on deck to ensure the elimination of the disease.
“To ensure prevention and control measures are in place in our health facilities, health workers must have a very index of suspicion. We are telling everyone that not all fever cases are malaria cases so if you are sick please go to any nearest health facility or qualified medical personnel to seek medical attention.
“So, if you get there and the health personnel have a high level of suspicion you will be tested and with the result received such patient will be properly managed,” she added,
Igumbor said that the Isolation Center in Federal Medical Center Asaba, built by the State Government has the capacity for isolation and management of confirmed cases and if need be for referrals they would be transferred to Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State.
