It appears the Lassa Fever epidemic is continuing unabated as three persons have lost their lives to the deadly disease in Delta State, while 24 others are under surveillance.
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, made the disclosure in a statement, stating that two out of the three cases of deaths recorded were from Anambra State.
Dr Ononye mentioned that certain cases had to be referred to the Institute of Lassa Fever, Irrua, Edo State, from Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Asaba, adding that the first case has been treated and discharged.
The commissioner also added that the Ministry of Health, as an immediate response to the outbreak through its rapid response team, has been coordinating the state’s response to contain the spread of the disease. Also active case search and contact tracing is ongoing.
Speaking on further containment measures, Ononye said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, has been reached and are presently collaborating with the state. The Ministry, in collaboration with the State Primary Health Development Agency, is creating awareness through the mass media on ways the disease could be transmitted and preventive measures to be taken towards forestalling its spread.
He further disclosed that some Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) were earlier procured and distributed to health facilities across the state, including FMC, Asaba, in addition to the sensitisation of health workers in the state, to maintain high sense of suspicion and take preventive measures, when managing infectious cases.
Dr Ononye urged the people to remain calm and ensure timely reportage of any suspected case to the nearest health facility.
