The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Monday during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, where he said measures had been put in place to prevent further transmission of the disease.
“The state has intensified disease surveillance and public awareness.
“The meeting, attended by health partners, including the World Health Organisation and Médecins Sans Frontières, led to the activation of the Incident Management System.
“Health officials will follow up on the affected household in Omasi, identify people who had contact with the patient and classify them according to their level of exposure for appropriate monitoring,” he said.
Obidike urged residents experiencing persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that fail to improve with appropriate treatment to seek medical attention promptly.
He cautioned against relying solely on self-medication, emphasising that early diagnosis and proper medical care were crucial to managing the disease and reducing the risk of complications.
Also speaking at the meeting, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Chuma Emembolu, advised residents to adopt preventive measures to minimise exposure to the virus, particularly through food contamination by rodents.
He urged households to keep food covered, store it in rodent-proof containers and maintain clean surroundings to prevent rats from contaminating food and household items with their urine and droppings.
Emembolu also warned residents against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Lassa fever patients, stressing the importance of adhering to infection prevention measures and guidance from health professionals.
“We urge residents of Omasi other communities in Ayamelum and the state at large to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information.
“These measures are aimed at strengthening preparedness, monitoring potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission,” he said.
The state government’s response is aimed at strengthening disease surveillance, identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed to the virus, and raising public awareness to prevent further spread of the disease.
