Anambra State has activated an emergency response after confirming a Lassa fever case involving a patient linked to Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area.
The patient is receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Health officials will visit the affected household, identify contacts and monitor them according to their level of exposure.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, announced the response at a meeting in Awka on Monday, October 19. He said the state had strengthened disease surveillance and public awareness to prevent further transmission.
The ministry activated its Incident Management System with support from health partners, including the World Health Organisation and Médecins Sans Frontières.
Obidike urged residents with persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that do not improve with treatment to seek medical attention promptly. He warned against relying only on self-medication.
The state epidemiologist advised residents to cover food, store it in containers that rats cannot enter and keep their surroundings clean to prevent contamination by rodents.
The ministry also warned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed patients. It asked residents in Omasi, other Ayamelum communities and across the state to cooperate with health officials and avoid spreading unverified information.
Sources: Vanguard, Channels Television
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