Lassa fever not endemic in Anambra – Commissioner

The Commissioner for
Health in Anambra State, Dr Joe Akabuike, said that Lassa fever was not endemic in the state.
Akabuike told newsmen in Awka that the state government was ready to combat any disease that could endanger the wellbeing of the people.
He said that the rapid response to a case of Lassa fever brought in from Asaba showed that the state was cobat-ready.
He advised the public to debunk the rumour going round that Lassa fever was prevalent in the state.
Akabuike said that a medical doctor was brought into Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi on August 16 by 3.30 p.m. on a referral from Air Comfort Hospital, Asaba.
“On arrival, the doctors suspected the patient based on the symptoms and signs that suggested hemorrhagic fever.
“Precautionary measures were taken to manage the patient but he died two and half hours later, after which the corpse was confined to a particular place in the morgue.
“Immediate contact tracing of all the people that came in contact with the patient was carried out and a total of 19 persons were identified.
“These people were classified as low risk as they had little or no contact with the patient,’’ he said.
He commended the hospital’s management and staff, the Anambra State Emergency Rapid Response Team and the state epidemiology unit for the immediate response and measure they took to handle the situation.
The commissioner said that the government had taken the responsibility of burying the corpse on August 25.
He explained that the measure was in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation in order not to spread the disease.
He advised the general public to be watchful of people with persistent fever.
The commissioner stressed the need for the people to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, saying this is the easiest way to stay healthy.