Lassa Fever: Cross River Government Warns Residents As Neighboring States Record Cases

By CrossRiverWatch Admin

The Cross River State Government has issued a statement urging residents across the 18 LGA of the State to watch out for lassa fever.

In the release it listed some symptoms as well as guidelines as it spreads to neighboring Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Enugu State.

The statement signed by Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, DG Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency said “It has become imperative for Cross Riverians to observe simple precautionary measures to keep safe and stay alive.

“Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness which spreads to people via contact with the urine or faeces of an infected mouse (rats). Lassa fever can also be contacted through direct contact with a person or people infected with the virus”.

According to her, some symptoms include showing signs relative to malaria and typhoid within (2-21 days) at different phases.

Phase one: general body weakness, fatigue, high fever. Phase two: headache, soar throat vomiting, diarrhoea. Phase three: face swelling, low blood pressure and nose, eyes, ear bleeding etc.

Warning that, “There is currently no vaccine that protects against Lassa fever. However symptoms can be treated depending on the patient’s clinical condition, hence the need to promptly report suspected cases to the nearest healthcare facility. Such an infected person will be isolated from other patients.

“In addition, early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival. Thus the need for constant examination and observation of people around you and promptly report cases”.

Observing personal hygiene by ensuring you wash your hands always with soaps and ashes under running water. Cover all foodstuffs and keep them away from rodents. Destroy all foods exposed to rodent attack. Block all holes in and within the house where rats and other rodents gain access through. Store food and foodstuffs in a covered container. Do not spread foodstuffs on the ground. Cook all foods properly before eating. Avoid personal contacts with infected persons. Dispose waste properly and avoid self medication are ways to prevent contacting lassa fever.

For suspected cases the State Government hotline is 08064435057.