The Lassa fever outbreak in the local government areas of Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ndokwa East has been verified by the Delta State Government.
As of now, four confirmed cases have been reported, according to the state government.
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the state’s commissioner of health, made the announcement while briefing reporters in Asaba, the state capital.
He urged people living in the Delta to maintain a clean environment and make sure that rats do not congregate in or near their homes.
According to him, the state’s Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) have been established by the government to keep an eye on the situation and make sure locals are kept informed of any updates.
According to Onojaeme, the government is actively promoting health workers in particular and sensitizing the public to have a high degree of suspicion when they witness such cases.
He said, “In week 12, we have four confirmed cases so far recorded with a fatality rate of 50% though the general fatality rate for Lassa fever is 1 – 15% so we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that we curtail the transmission from patient to health workers and from patients to relatives.”
He said the state government was working closely with Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State, and had been able to get results of Lassa fever tests within 24 hours as against 72 hours.
