Anambra State Responds to Lassa Fever Case with Emergency Measures

The Anambra State Government has activated emergency measures after a patient with Lassa fever was identified in the Omasi community. The patient is currently being treated at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

During a meeting in Awka, Afam Obidike, the state’s Commissioner for Health, announced that the government is enhancing disease monitoring and public awareness to stop the disease from spreading. He mentioned that they have set up the Incident Management System with help from organizations like the World Health Organisation and Médecins Sans Frontières.

Health officials plan to visit the affected household in Omasi to identify and monitor individuals who had contact with the patient. Obidike urged anyone experiencing persistent fever or symptoms similar to malaria to seek medical help instead of self-medicating.

State Epidemiologist Emembolu Chuma advised residents to keep food covered and stored in containers that rats cannot access, as well as to maintain clean living areas to prevent rodent contamination. The Ministry of Health also warned against contact with the blood and body fluids of anyone suspected or confirmed to have Lassa fever.

The government is urging the people of Omasi and surrounding areas to stay alert, cooperate with health officials, and avoid spreading unverified information. These actions are intended to monitor potential contacts and reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus.