An ecologist extracts a sample of blood from a Mastomys Natalensis rodent in the village of Jormu in southeastern Sierra Leone February 8, 2011. Lassa fever, named after the Nigerian town where it was first identified in 1969, is among a U.S. list of "category A" diseases -- deemed to have the potential for major public health impact -- alongside anthrax and botulism. The disease is carried by the Mastomys Natalensis rodent, found across sub-Saharan Africa and often eaten as a source of protein. It infects an estimated 300,000-500,000 people each year, and kills about 5,000. Picture taken February 8, 2011. To match Reuters-Feature BIOTERROR-AFRICA/ REUTERS/Simon Akam (SIERRA LEONE - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY ANIMALS) - GM1E72F07HC01
Feb. 18, 2024
The Ebonyi Ministry of Health disclosed that Lassa Fever killed 10 persons in the state between Jan. 4 and Feb. 16, 2024.
The Disease Surveillance Notification Officer of the ministry, Mr Sampson Orogwu, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Abakaliki.
Orogwu stated that 25 persons were infected, including two healthcare workers.
He added that “16 out of the 25 infected persons are males, while nine are females.
“The dead include a pregnant woman and two children.
“The affected local government areas include: Onicha, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ebonyi, Izzi, Ohaukwu and Abakaliki with Hausa quarters and Nkaliki areas in Abakaliki recording the highest number of cases.”
He, therefore, urged residents to report suspected cases to the ministry as treatment is free.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Ogbonna Nwambeke, also in the statement, said the state government had been collaborating with relevant partners to check spread of the disease
He said “we call for the provision of logistics to increase surveillance and community engagement against risk factors.
“People are also advised to stop bush burning, avoid eating rats and not to touch any surface touched by an infected person.
“We also advise people to maintain high level of personal and environmental hygiene such as covering their food and utensils properly.
Nwambeke appreciated the state government’s provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to health workers at the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre to secure their lives and to save others.
Humans usually become infected with Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats.
It’s common in West Africa. Most people get mild symptoms, like fever and headache.
