The Cross River State Ministry of Health has issued a warning regarding a Lassa fever outbreak in the Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubra Local Government Area. Tragically, one life has already been lost.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, citizens were informed about the outbreak. The announcement followed an investigation into the deceased individual, confirming that the cause of death was 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.