The Anambra State Government has activated an emergency public health response following confirmation of a Lassa fever case linked to Omasi community in Ayamelum Local Government Area, highlighting the importance of early detection, effective disease surveillance and coordinated action in Nigeria’s efforts to contain the viral disease.
The affected patient is receiving treatment at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), in neighbouring Ebonyi State.
Anambra health authorities have intensified surveillance, initiated contact-tracing measures and stepped up public awareness to reduce the risk of further transmission.
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The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Monday during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Awka.
He said the state was strengthening its preparedness and response mechanisms to ensure the prompt identification, monitoring and management of suspected cases.
The meeting, attended by representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Obiageli Uchebo, resulted in the activation of the Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate surveillance, case investigations and other emergency response activities.
As part of the intervention, health officials will investigate the affected household in Omasi, identify people who may have come into contact with the patient and classify them according to their level of exposure for appropriate monitoring and follow-up.
Obidike urged residents experiencing persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that do not improve with appropriate treatment to seek medical attention promptly.
He warned against relying solely on self-medication, stressing that early diagnosis and timely access to professional healthcare are essential to effective disease management.
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness endemic in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.
It is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or droppings of infected rodents.
Human-to-human transmission can also occur through direct contact with the blood, secretions or other bodily fluids of an infected person, particularly where appropriate infection-prevention measures are not observed.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Emembolu Chuma, advised residents to store food in covered, rodent-proof containers, maintain clean surroundings and prevent rats from contaminating food and household items.
He also warned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed cases, urging caregivers and healthcare workers to observe established infection-prevention guidelines.
The Ministry of Health urged residents of Omasi, other communities in Ayamelum and the wider state to cooperate with public health officials, report suspected cases promptly and avoid spreading unverified information.
The government said the measures were intended to strengthen early detection, monitor potential contacts and prevent further transmission.
