The Anambra State Government has stepped up surveillance and contact tracing following the confirmation of a Lassa fever case in Omasi community, Ayamelum Local Government Area.
The government has activated its emergency response system to contain the infection and prevent possible transmission to other residents.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, announced the measures during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, disclosing that the patient was receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
According to him, the state has activated its Incident Management System and strengthened collaboration with health partners, including the World Health Organisation and Médecins Sans Frontières, to coordinate the response.
Obidike said health officials would visit the affected household, identify people who had contact with the patient and assess their exposure to determine the appropriate monitoring measures.
He urged residents to avoid self-medication and seek medical attention if they experience persistent fever or symptoms resembling malaria that fail to respond to treatment.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Chuma Emembolu, also advised residents to take preventive measures against the disease, particularly through proper food storage and environmental hygiene.
He urged households to keep food in rodent-proof containers, maintain clean surroundings and avoid contact with the blood or other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Lassa fever patients.
“We urge residents of Omasi, other communities in Ayamelum and the state at large, to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information,” Emembolu said.
The state government’s response is aimed at identifying potential exposures early, limiting further transmission and ensuring residents receive timely medical attention when symptoms develop.
Lassa Fever: Anambra begins contact tracing after confirmed case