Cross River begins contract tracing as Lassa fever kills one

• Dr. Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, disclosed this information in Calabar
  

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On Thursday, the Cross River State Government reported a Lassa fever outbreak in Ejah Community, Osupong Ward 1, Obubura Local Government Area.

A resident of Obubra succumbed to the disease at the Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebony State.

Dr. Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, disclosed this information in Calabar. Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected rodents, poses a threat through direct contact or contaminated items.

The state has activated the Community Rescue Service Emergency Operation Centre, and the Rapid Response Team will assist in contact tracing and line listing in Obubra.

“This is to notify the public of the Lassa fever outbreak in Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubra LGA.

“Investigation has been concluded and details of the deceased, a resident of Obubra, obtained from Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebony State, confirmed he died of Lassa fever.

“The team will carry out decontamination of affected premises, awareness creation and risk communication.

“We are also mobilising Lassa fever commodities, consumables and personal protective equipment to the General Hospital Obubra and other locations,” the commissioner said.