Cross River On High Alert As Lassa Fever Claims Life In Obubra
By Uket Oka, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa Fever in Obubra Local Government Area, following the death of a 30-year-old male farmer from Unincha community.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, announced the outbreak in a statement dated February 24, 2025, and made available to journalists in Calabar, the State capital.
Dr Ayuk revealed that the deceased succumbed to the disease on February 17 at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FUTHA), Ebonyi State.
According to the report, the victim had sought medical attention at FUTHA on February 15 after experiencing symptoms for several days.
“He was diagnosed with Lassa Fever on February 16, but passed away the following day despite the medical intervention.
“His body was prepared at FUTHA and transported to Unincha community for a supervised burial conducted by the Obubra local government area Rapid Response Team,” the statement said.
The Commissioner stated that in response to the outbreak, the Cross River State Lassa Fever Emergency Operation Centre was activated on February 18.
Dr Ayuk also disclosed that the state and LGA rapid response teams have been deployed to Unincha, working in close collaboration with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain the spread.
“Health authorities have initiated several containment measures, including: contact tracing and case monitoring, community engagement and sensitisation campaigns, town hall meetings with community leaders, decontamination of affected homes, sample collection for testing, referral of symptomatic persons to designated health facilities, as well as distribution of Lassa Fever and cholera medications, consumables, and other emergency medical supplies in high-risk LGAs,” he stated.
Dr Ayuk reassured residents that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, was taking all necessary steps to control the outbreak and prevent further spread of infectious diseases.
He however, urged the public to remain vigilant against Lassa Fever, cholera, Mpox, and other epidemic-prone illnesses, particularly as the early rains approach.
The Health Commissioner explained that Lassa Fever is caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted through food or household items contaminated by Mastomys rats, commonly found in tropical regions.
According to him, “symptoms range from general weakness, headache, sore throat, and muscle pain to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, uncontrollable bleeding.”
Dr Ayuk advised residents to maintain strict hygiene, keep their surroundings clean, store food in rat-proof containers, and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if they noticed any symptoms.
He further strongly cautioned against self-medication and urged individuals to report suspected cases promptly.
The Commissioner noted that Cross River State Ministry of Health remained on high alert and would continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further spread.
