ANAMBRA STATE RECORDS FIRST CASE OF LASSA FEVER

Maureen Onuora in Enugu

The Anambra State Government has confirmed record of first case of Lassa fever, with the index case safely transported to Viral Centre in Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki(FETHA)  in line with National guidelines on zonal arrangement on management of the diease.

Penpushing reports that, Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala made the disclosure, explaining that the first victim has been identified while the Emergency Response Team successfully decontaminated the Isolation ward which accommodated the index case..

The Commissioner said in continuation of response to the index case, the State Government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operation Center, operating under the direction of the National Coordination Centre.

Penpushing further reports that, it has constituted four contact tracing teams that have already started contact list as well as conducted search case at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Nnamdi Azikiwe University Center Awka.

The Commissioner urged people of the State to take necessary safety measures including avoiding direct contact with urine, faeces, saliva or blood of infected rats and contamination of household items, surface or food by infected rats among others to compliment efforts of Government to protect the state from Laser Fever.

Penpushing also reports that, Okpala advised Health workers in public and private facilities to take special precautions as demanded by the situation, stressing that any illness that has not responded to treatment in 48 hours should be raised as an index case of suspicion for Lassa Fever .

The Commissioner assured that the State Government will continue to investigate all rumours of outbreaks and debunked rumours of suspected cases at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, emphasising that the government is well prepared and equipped to manage every emergency and has taken necessary precaution to control the situation.

Penpushing reports that  he urged people with relevant information to contact Anambra State Emergency Operational Center on the following lines 08107446408, 09016912956, 08030953771, 08058967320

The Executive Secretary of State Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi  in his remarks said the Government  has strong and professional team including some members of International Response team who are on ground to effectively respond to Lassa and other viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Penpushing further reports that, State Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr Emmanuel Mounagor said they are satisfied with the arrangement put in place by the State Government to contain the situation and would work closely with the Ministry to achieve the set goals.

The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health,  Dr Jonh Ndibe,in his contributions  urged people with information to contact relevant authorities to avoid creating panic in the communities and environs.