The Ebonyi State’s Ministry of Health has disclosed 10 new cases of Lassa Fever outbreak in the state from January 4 to February 16, 2024.
Sampson Orogwu, the Disease Surveillance Notification officer of the ministry disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Abakaliki, the state capital.
According to him, 25 persons got infected, and among them included 2 healthcare workers. He also mentioned that 16 infected persons were males leaving the remaining 9 as females.
“16 out of 25 infected persons are male while nine are female.
“The dead include a pregnant woman and two children.
“The affected Local Government Areas include Onicha, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ebonyi, Izzi, Ohaukwu, and Abakaliki, with Hausa quarters and Nkaliki areas in Abakaliki recording the highest number of cases,” he said.
Orogwu went on sensitizing residents to take it upon themselves as an obligation to report suspected cases to the ministry without hesitation, stating that treatment is free.
In addition, Mr. Ogbonna Nwambeke, the state epidemiologist stated that the state government is putting in necessary efforts to collaborate with relevant partners and agencies to evaluate the spread of the disease and curb its widespread.
“We call for the provision of logistics to increase surveillance and community engagement against risk factors.
“People are also advised to stop bush burning, avoid eating rats, and not touch any surface touched by an infected person.
“We also advise people to maintain a high level of personal and environmental hygiene, such as covering their food and utensils properly,” he emphasised.
Mr Nwambeke also applauded the state governor’s provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to health workers at the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre to secure their lives and to save others.
