The Rivers State Ministry of Health has officially confirmed a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, with one reported death, News About Nigeria reports.
Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the State Commissioner for Health, revealed that the incident followed four cases presented at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Out of the four cases, one was confirmed after the unfortunate death of the patient, while the other three cases have been successfully treated, with the patients subsequently reunited with their families.
Dr. Oreh disclosed that these cases emerged from a pool of 42 suspected cases, with 31 representing symptomatic high-risk contacts to the confirmed cases.
In a press statement, the Commissioner stated, “A total of 72 contacts were placed on surveillance, and 30 of them have already exited the follow-up scheme, having completed the mandatory incubation period.
“Another 42 will exit by the 26th of February. All 18 high-risk contacts were placed on preventive therapeutics and are also doing very well. While 27 samples have returned negative, we are still expecting results from the remaining eleven samples of suspected cases.”
Dr. Oreh assured the public that a collaborative effort from stakeholders in the health sector, including the State Ministry of Health, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Niger Centre for Disease Control, and other relevant parties, is actively working to contain the outbreak.
“I assure you of our concerted and dedicated commitment to contain this outbreak sooner than later. I wish to inform you that the government has risen sternly to this challenge,” she assured.
The commissioner urged the public to prioritise community hygiene and maintain measures such as covering food and water to prevent contamination by rodents.
Dr. Oreh concluded by reassuring the public that the government has sufficient commodities and materials to effectively manage and contain the outbreak, urging citizens to remain vigilant in adopting preventive measures.
