Anambra Confirms Lassa Fever Case, Activates Emergency Response

The Anambra State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever involving a patient linked to Omasi community in Ayamelum Local Government Area. The patient is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), in Ebonyi State.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Monday during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, where officials discussed measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Obidike said the state government had activated an emergency response and intensified disease surveillance and public awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of further transmission.

According to him, the meeting, attended by health partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), resulted in the activation of the Incident Management System to coordinate the response.

He explained that health officials would visit the affected household in Omasi, identify individuals who had contact with the patient and assess their level of exposure. Those identified would be monitored appropriately to detect possible infections early.

The commissioner urged residents experiencing persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that fail to improve after appropriate treatment to seek medical attention without delay.

He cautioned against relying on self-medication, stressing that early diagnosis and proper medical treatment were essential in managing Lassa fever and reducing the risk of complications.

Also speaking at the meeting, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Chuma Emembolu, advised residents to adopt proper food storage and hygiene practices to prevent exposure to rodents, which can spread the virus.

Emembolu urged households to keep food covered and store it in rodent-proof containers. He also advised residents to maintain clean surroundings and prevent rats from contaminating food, utensils and other household items with their urine and droppings.

The epidemiologist further warned residents against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of anyone suspected or confirmed to have Lassa fever.

He called for strict compliance with infection prevention measures and urged the public to follow the guidance of health professionals.

Emembolu specifically appealed to residents of Omasi, other communities in Ayamelum Local Government Area and the wider Anambra State to remain vigilant and cooperate with public health officials.

He also warned against spreading unverified information about the case, noting that accurate information and public cooperation were important to controlling the situation.

The state government’s response is aimed at strengthening preparedness, monitoring people who may have been exposed to the virus and preventing further transmission within the affected community and beyond.