A deadly fever, identified as hemorrhagic fever, is suspected to have broken out in old Ndebeji, in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, on Saturday, News About Nigeria reports.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, disclosed this, stating that a suspected index case was currently being investigated in Calabar, the state capital, in complete isolation at the Ndebeji healthcare centre.
He, however, noted that the state’s epidemiologist and her team have been directed to work with the local government team to collect samples from suspected cases for diagnosis, adding that more details will be available after the diagnosis is completed.
He disclosed that the medical team will provide palliative case management, prioritising adequate infection prevention and control in the facility.
“They will provide palliative case management and institutionalize adequate infection prevention and control in the facility.
“They will also work with community leaders to identify and restrict movements of known contacts till the sample results of the suspected index client are out and entrench risk communication in the community,” he stated.
Ayuk further noted that cases are most likely to present early with fever, rash, body weakness, bleeding from body openings, or may even be asymptomatic, and therefore urged residents to avoid rodents and insect bites, adding that they should put on personal protective wear if they must come close to livestock, other animals, and zoos.
Viral hemorrhagic fever is any group of infectious diseases that interfere with the blood’s ability to clot.
They are spread by contact with infected animals, people, or insects.
