The Delta State Government in order to curb the spread of Lassa fever, has urged residents to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings, prevent food exposure to rats, and eliminate rat breeding in and around their homes.
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, made this call yesterday in Asaba during a press briefing on the current status of the Lassa fever outbreak in the state.
“In week 12, we have four confirmed cases so far recorded with a fatality rate of 50% though the general fatality rate for Lassa fever is 1 15% so we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that we curtail the transmission from patient to health workers and from patients to relatives” the Commissioner disclosed.
The Commissioner emphasized the government’s extensive efforts in advocacy, particularly targeting health workers and residents, urging heightened vigilance in identifying potential cases. He highlighted collaboration with Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State, leading to faster Lassa fever test results within 24 hours, a significant improvement from the previous 72-hour timeframe.
Dr. Mildred Igumbor, the State Epidemiologist, stressed that even a single case constitutes an outbreak, underscoring the collective responsibility to eradicate the disease. She detailed the establishment of a multi-sectorial Emergency Operations Center (EOC), involving various government departments and partners, to strategize on combatting the disease and its spread.
Addressing the mode of transmission, Dr. Igumbor explained that Lassa fever spreads through contact with rat feces or urine on food, emphasizing ongoing efforts to educate residents on preventing such contact to avoid contracting the disease altogether.
“To ensure prevention control measures are in place in our health facilities, health workers must have a very index of suspicion. We are telling everyone that not all fever cases are malaria cases so if you are sick please go to any nearest health facility or a qualified medical personnel to seek medical attention. So if you get there and the health personnel have a high level of suspicion you will be tested and with the result received such patient will be properly managed” she added,
Dr. Igumbor mentioned that the Isolation Center at the Federal Medical Center in Asaba, constructed by the Delta State Government, is equipped to isolate and manage confirmed cases. If necessary, patients may be transferred to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State for further treatment.
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