The Ebonyi Ministry of Health has disclosed that Lassa fever killed 10 persons in the state from January 4 to February 16, 2024.

The Disease Surveillance Notification Officer of the ministry, Sampson Orogwu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abakaliki.

Mr Orogwu stated that 25 persons were infected, including two healthcare workers. He said 16 infected persons were males, while nine were females.

“The dead include a pregnant woman and two children.

“The affected local government areas include Onicha, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ebonyi, Izzi, Ohaukwu and Abakaliki, with Hausa quarters and Nkaliki areas in Abakaliki recording the highest number of cases,” he stated.

He, therefore, urged residents to report suspected cases to the ministry as treatment is free.

The state epidemiologist, Ogbonna Nwambeke, also said that the state government had been collaborating with relevant partners to check the spread of the disease.

He said, “We call for the provision of logistics to increase surveillance and community engagement against risk factors.

“People are also advised to stop bush burning, avoid eating rats, and not touch any surface touched by an infected person.

“We also advise people to maintain a high level of personal and environmental hygiene, such as covering their food and utensils properly.”

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses.

Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats.

It’s common in West Africa. Most people get mild symptoms, like fever and headache. 

(NAN)