The Anambra State Government confirmed a new case of Lassa fever on Monday, identifying the patient as a resident of Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area. According to Punch, the individual is being treated at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Dr. Afam Obidike, the State Commissioner for Health, announced the development during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held in Awka, the state capital.
At the gathering, Obidike stated that authorities had triggered their Incident Management System to curb further spread. AllAfrica noted that international partners, specifically the WHO and Médecins Sans Frontières, were present to support state efforts. These organizations joined local officials to boost surveillance and public awareness. The coordinated strategy focuses on monitoring potential contacts to minimize the risk of secondary infections within the community.
Officials outlined specific steps to manage the outbreak, which include investigating the patient’s home in Omasi. According to the reports, teams will identify individuals who interacted with the confirmed case and categorize them by exposure level. This process enables targeted monitoring and intervention. Dr. Obidike encouraged locals with lingering fevers or malaria-like symptoms that resist standard care to visit clinics early, cautioning against excessive self-treatment.
Dr. Chuma Emembolu, the State Epidemiologist, offered advice on preventing rodent-borne transmission. He suggested that people cover their food and use containers that block rats to avoid contamination. Emembolu also highlighted the need for clean surroundings to stop rodents from soiling household goods with waste. He cautioned against touching the blood or fluids of suspected patients, emphasizing strict adherence to hygiene protocols.
Health leaders asked residents of Omasi and nearby Ayamelum communities to stay alert and work with public health teams. They advised the public to limit the spread of unverified news while the state enhances its readiness. The joint effort between state authorities and global health bodies aims to contain the outbreak before it reaches other parts of the region.