Lassa Fever Kills Pregnant Woman, Nine Others In Ebonyi

At least 10 persons died from Lassa fever including a pregnant woman and two children in Ebonyi State from January 4 to February 16, 2024.

Disease Surveillance Notification Officer, Ebonyi Ministry of Health, Mr Sampson Orogwu stated this on Sunday in Abakaliki, the state capital.

He hinted that 25 persons were infected, including two healthcare workers, adding that 16 out of the infected persons are males while nine are females.

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

Humans are infected with the virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats that is prevalent in West Africa.

Mild symptoms include fever and headache.

Orogwu listed the affected Local Government Areas as Onicha, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ebonyi, Izzi, Ohaukwu and Abakaliki, noting that Hausa quarters and Nkaliki areas in Abakaliki recorded the highest number of cases.

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

The State Epidemiologist, Dr Ogbonna Nwambeke informed that government had been collaborating with relevant partners to checkmate the spread of the disease.

He requested for adequate logistics to increase surveillance and community engagement against risk factors.

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

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

Nwambeke thanked the state government for protecting the lives of health workers at the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre by providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).

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