The Cross River State Ministry of Health has raised the alarm over an outbreak of Lassa fever, which has already claimed one life in the Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubra Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner of Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, and made available to newsmen on Thursday, citizens were notified of the outbreak following an investigation carried out on the deceased, which confirmed he died of Lassa fever.
The statement reads: “This is to notify the public of Lassa fever outbreak in Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubra LGA.
“Investigation has been concluded today (Wednesday), and details of the deceased, a resident of Obubra, gotten from Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebony State—confirmed he died of Lassa fever.
“We have consequently activated the Cross River State Emergency Operation Centre.
“The State Rapid Response Team will be going to Obubra on Thursday to join the LGA team to ensure: contact tracing, line listing, and decontamination of affected premises.
“Also, awareness creation and risk communication, as well as mobilisation of Lassa fever commodities, consumables, and personal protective equipment to General Hospital Obubra and other locations, have been activated,” Ayuk stated.
