The announcement of Lassa fever outbreak in Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubura Local Government Area of Cross River State was made by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk. The disease caused the death of a resident of Obubra at the Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebony State.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected rodents, or through contaminated food and household items. The World Health Organisation has stated that human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids.
The state government has activated the Community Rescue Service Emergency Operation Centre and the state Rapid Response Team to carry out contact tracing and line listing in Obubra. Decontamination of affected premises, awareness creation, and risk communication will be conducted. The government is also mobilising Lassa fever commodities, consumables, and personal protective equipment to the General Hospital Obubra and other locations.