The Anambra State Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of Lassa fever involving a patient linked to Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), Ebonyi State.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Awka.
Following the confirmation, the commissioner convened an emergency meeting involving health partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), to coordinate response efforts and strengthen measures to prevent further transmission.
Dr. Obidike said the ministry had activated its emergency response mechanism and intensified public awareness, while strengthening disease surveillance and other public health measures.
He called for increased public awareness to educate residents on the symptoms and prevention of Lassa fever, as well as the importance of reporting suspected cases promptly.
The meeting also led to the activation of the Incident Management System, a coordinated mechanism for managing public health emergencies, strengthening disease surveillance and ensuring a timely response to suspected cases.
The commissioner explained that health officials would conduct follow-up activities at the affected household in Omasi, identify people who might have had contact with the patient and classify them according to their level of exposure for appropriate monitoring and follow-up.
He urged residents experiencing persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that do not improve with appropriate treatment to seek medical attention promptly.
Obidike also warned against relying solely on self-medication, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and proper medical care.
Speaking on preventive measures, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Chuma Emembolu, advised residents to keep food covered and store it in rodent-proof containers.
Emembolu urged residents to maintain clean surroundings and prevent rats from contaminating food and household items with their urine and droppings.
He also warned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Lassa fever patients, stressing the need to observe infection prevention measures and follow the guidance of health professionals.
The ministry urged residents of Omasi, other communities in Ayamelum and the wider Anambra State to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information.
It added that the response measures were aimed at strengthening preparedness, monitoring potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission.
