The Anambra State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever in a patient linked to Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area, and has activated an emergency response to stop further spread.
The patient is receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), Ebonyi State.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, announced this on Monday at an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Awka.
He said the meeting, attended by health partners including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), led to the activation of the Incident Management System.
Obidike said the state had stepped up disease surveillance and public awareness.
“Health officials will follow up on the affected household in Omasi, identify people who had contact with the patient and classify them according to their level of exposure for appropriate monitoring,” he said.
He urged residents with persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that do not improve after appropriate treatment to seek medical care promptly. He also cautioned against relying on self-medication, noting that early diagnosis and proper care are key to managing the disease.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Chuma Emembolu, advised residents to keep food covered and stored in rodent-proof containers to prevent contamination by rats.
He also urged them to keep their surroundings clean to stop rodents from contaminating food and household items with urine and droppings.
Emembolu warned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Lassa fever patients, and called for strict adherence to infection prevention measures and the guidance of health professionals.
“We urge residents of Omasi and other communities in Ayamelum and the state at large to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information.
“These measures are aimed at strengthening preparedness, monitoring potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission,” he said.
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