The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Chiwendu Atata, has stated that the state government was prepared for any eventual outbreak of Lassa fever, even as precautionary measures have been taken against it.
Making this known in a press briefing yesterday, the permanent secretary said the measures taken so far are warranted by the fact that three of several diagnostics carried out earlier came out positive for Lassa fever.
“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 of the samples tested positive to Lassa Virus”, she said.
Consequently, she explained, the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) which had earlier commenced pro-active effort for containment of the outbreak”, has taken it upon itself to ensure that there is “facility decontamination, line-listing, presumptive prophylaxis and surveillance to ensure public health safety and security”.
The state government, she continued, has also procured large quantities of “anti-viral agents, and 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”, she said.
While noting that everything is being done to ensure rapid containment of the outbreak, the permanent secretary assured that all cases are being managed with expertise, according to the standard protocol for containment.
“We will update you regularly on further development, if any”, she assured, urging that meanwhile, “in view of the prevailing upsurge of Lassa fever cases in the country, all health service centres have been advised to maintain simple triage system for all patients and uphold standard infection prevention principles required for service delivery”.
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 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 called on the public to continue all necessary preventive measures under the circumstances.

By: Sogbeba Dokubo