Rivers confirms three cases of Lassa fever

From: Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

The Rivers state government has confirmed the three cases of the dreaded Lassa Fever virus in the state.

The Acting Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry  of Health (MOH), Chinwendu Atata who disclosed this in a statement in Port Harcourt the state capital on Wednesday appealed to residents of the state to be calm and maintain improved personal and environmental hygiene, assuring the efforts of the state government to ensure it does not spread further.

M/s Atata last week confirmed the death of one person from the state in a specialist hospital in Edo state also hinted that blood samples had been sent to the Laboratory for screening and confirmation.

She also noted that over 50 persons who had contact with the index case in the state had been placed on surveillance.

She said on Wednesday that three of the 50 persons have been tested positive and have been taken in for treatment.

Atata said: “You will recall that few days ago, I briefed you on a number of suspected cases that were being investigated in the state. We have received preliminary confirmation that three (3) of the samples tested positive to Lassa Virus.

“The Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) had earlier commenced pro-active effort for containment of the outbreak. So far, all hands are on deck for facility decontamination, line-listing, presumptive prophylaxis and surveillance to ensure Public health safety and security.”

Read Also: We are on top of Lassa Fever in Kano – Commissioner

She noted that the state has procured facilities and drugs to tackle the ailment, urging members to promote healthy and hygienic lifestyle.

Atata said: “In addition, the State has procured large quantities of anti-viral agents, isolation centres have been designated and are being set-up across the teaching hospitals in case of any eventuality. Rivers State Government is doing everything to contain the Lassa Virus.

“Let me assure you that all hands are on deck to to ensure rapid containment of the outbreak. There is therefore no cause for alarm as all cases are being managed with expertise according to the standard protocol for containment.” she said.