Cross River begins contract tracing as Lassa fever kills one

The Cross River State Government on Thursday announced the outbreak of Lassa fever in Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubura Local Government Area of the state.

A resident of Obubra died of the disease at the Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebony State.

This was made known by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, in Calabar on Thursday.

Lassa fever, according to the World Health Organisation, is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, which is primarily transmitted to humans either through direct contact with infected rodents, or through food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected rodents.

The WHO also said human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids

Ayuk said the state government had activated the Community Rescue Service Emergency Operation Centre and the state Rapid Response Team would be going to Obubra to join the LG team to ensure contact tracing and line listing.

 “This is to notify the public of the Lassa fever outbreak in Ejah Community of Osupong Ward 1, Obubra LGA.

“Investigation has been concluded and details of the deceased, a resident of Obubra, obtained from Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebony State, confirmed he died of Lassa fever.

“The team will carry out decontamination of affected premises, awareness creation and risk communication.

“We are also mobilising Lassa fever commodities, consumables and personal protective equipment to the General Hospital Obubra and other locations,” the commissioner said.