Cross River has confirmed a Lassa fever outbreak in LG, which has resulted in the death of one person.

 

The Cross River State Government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa Fever in the Obubra local government area following the death of a 30-year-old male farmer from the Unincha community.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, announced the outbreak in a statement dated February 24, 2025, revealing that the victim succumbed to the disease on February 17 at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FUTHA), Ebonyi State.

For several days, the farmer was sick before seeking medical attention at FUTHA on February 15. Despite receiving treatment, he died the following day after testing positive for Lassa Fever on February 16.

The Obubra local government area Rapid Response Team carried out a supervised burial of his remains at FUTHA and transported them to Unincha.

In response to the outbreak, the Cross River State Lassa Fever Emergency Operation Center was activated on February 18 by Dr. Ayuk, with state and local government area rapid response teams deployed to Unincha.

The intervention is being carried out in collaboration with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The response teams are implementing key containment measures, including contact tracing and monitoring, community sensitization and awareness campaigns, town hall meetings with local leaders, decontamination of affected homes, collection of samples for laboratory testing, referral of symptomatic individuals to healthcare facilities, as well as distribution of Lassa Fever and cholera medications, medical supplies, and protective equipment in high-risk local government areas.

The Governor Bassey Edet Otu-led administration is well-prepared to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of infectious diseases, according to Ayuk's assurance to residents.

He requested that people stay alert, especially during the early rains, as Lassa Fever, cholera, and mumps pose significant health risks. He explained that Lassa Fever is caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted through food or household items contaminated by Mastomys rats—a species commonly found in tropical environments.

The symptoms typically begin with general weakness, fever, headache, sore throat, and muscle pain, then progress to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, uncontrolled bleeding.

To prevent infection, the commissioner advised residents to keep their surroundings clean and free of rodents, store food in rat-proof containers, avoid direct contact with rats or their droppings, seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, and refrain from self-medication and report suspected cases to health authorities.

“The Cross River State Ministry of Health remains on high alert and is working closely with stakeholders to ensure the situation is contained swiftly,” the commissioner said.