Anambra confirms Lassa fever, activates emergency response

The Anambra State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever linked to Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area, with the patient currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Monday during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, saying the state had activated an emergency response to prevent further transmission.

“The state has intensified disease surveillance and public awareness,” Obidike said.

He said the meeting, attended by health partners including the World Health Organisation and Médecins Sans Frontières, led to the activation of the Incident Management System.

According to him, health officials will monitor the affected household in Omasi, identify people who had contact with the patient, and classify them according to their level of exposure for appropriate follow-up.

Obidike urged residents experiencing persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that do not improve with treatment to seek prompt medical attention.

He warned against self-medication, stressing that early diagnosis and proper treatment are critical to managing the disease.

Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Chuma Emembolu, advised residents to store food in covered, rodent-proof containers and maintain clean surroundings to prevent contamination by rats.

He also warned against direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Lassa fever patients and urged strict adherence to infection prevention measures.

“We urge residents of Omasi, Ayamelum and other parts of the state to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information,” Emembolu said.

He added that the measures were aimed at strengthening preparedness, monitoring potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission.

NAN.