Cross River warns residents of suspected outbreak of haemorrhagic fever

Cross River state government has warned residents about a possible outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in old Ndebeji, in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

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Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, said in Calabar that a suspected index case was currently being investigated in complete isolation at the Ndebeji healthcare centre.

He said, he had directed the state’s epidemiologist and her team to work with the local government team to collect samples from suspected cases for diagnosis.

“They will provide palliative case management and institutionalise adequate infection prevention and control in the facility.

“They will also work with community leaders to identify and restrict movements of known contacts till the sample results of the suspected index client are out and entrench risk communication in the community.

“I must note that cases are most likely to present early with fever, rash, body weakness, bleeding from body openings or may even be asymptomatic,’’ he added.

Viral haemorrhagic fever is any group of infectious diseases that interfere with the blood’s ability to clot. They are spread by contact with infected animals, people or insects. Examples include Ebola and yellow fever.

Dr Ayuk appealed to residents to avoid rodents and insect bites, adding that they should put on personal protective wears if they must come close to livestock, other animals and zoos.