Four Cases of Lassa Fever Confirmed in Delta State

Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the Health Commissioner of Delta State, has confirmed four cases of Lassa fever within the state. He revealed this during a briefing with the press regarding the current outbreak.

Onojaeme revealed that in twelve weeks, healthcare workers have confirmed four cases of Lassa fever, with a fatality rate of 50%, although the general fatality rate for the disease ranges from 1% to 15%. He stated that they are exerting efforts to prevent further transmission from patients to healthcare workers and relatives.

The commissioner also highlighted the affected local government areas, such as Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ndokwa East.

He said that Emergency Operation Centers have been established across the state to monitor the situation and disseminate information to residents.

Also, collaboration with Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State has expedited the process of obtaining test results, reducing the time to less than 24 hours as opposed to the 72-hour range.

Urging residents to keep their environment clean at all times, he added, “We should not expose food to rats and ensure that rats do not breed in or around homes.”

Onojaeme also advised, saying:

We are telling everyone that not all fever cases are malaria cases. So, if you are sick, please go to any nearest health facility or qualified medical personnel to seek medical attention.

If you get there and the health personnel have a high level of suspicion, you will be tested and with the result received, such patients will be properly managed.

He said that the Isolation Center at the Federal Medical Center in Asaba, constructed by the Delta State Government, is equipped to manage confirmed cases and that referrals, if necessary, would be directed to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State.

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