CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa Fever in Obubra Local Government Area (LGA).
In a public statement released on February 24, 2025, Dr. Ayuk reported that a 30-year-old male farmer from the Unincha community in Obubra LGA died from the disease on February 17 at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FUTHA), Ebonyi State.
According to the report, the deceased sought medical attention at FUTHA on February 15 after experiencing symptoms for several days.
He was diagnosed with Lassa Fever on February 16 and, despite receiving treatment, passed away the following day.
Following his death, his body was prepared at FUTHA and transported to Unincha for burial under the supervision of the Obubra LGA Rapid Response Team.
State Government’s Swift Response
In response to the outbreak, the Cross River State Lassa Fever Emergency Operation Center was activated on February 18.
Dr Ayuk stated that the state and LGA rapid response teams were immediately deployed to Unincha in collaboration with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
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Currently, the following measures are being implemented: Contact tracing and line listing, Community engagement and sensitization, Town hall meetings with community leaders and Decontamination of affected homes.
Other measures include Sample collection for further testing, Referral of symptomatic individuals to health facilities and Distribution of Lassa Fever and cholera medications, consumables, and medical supplies in high-risk LGAs.
Dr. Ayuk reassured citizens that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, is fully prepared to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
He urged residents to remain vigilant against Lassa Fever, cholera, mpox, and other epidemic-prone diseases, especially with the onset of early rains.
Understanding Lassa Fever and Preventive Measures
Lassa Fever is caused by the Lassa virus, which spreads through food or household items contaminated by Mastomys rats commonly found in tropical regions.
Symptoms include general weakness, headache, sore throat, muscle and chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, uncontrollable bleeding.
Dr. Ayuk advised residents to take the following precautions: Maintain clean environments to prevent rodent infestations, Store food in rat-proof containers, Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, Avoid self-medication and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility
The Commissioner emphasized that early detection and prompt medical care are critical in managing Lassa Fever and preventing fatalities.
He urged residents to cooperate with health authorities as efforts continue to contain the outbreak and safeguard public health in Cross River State.