The Rivers State ministry of health says it has received reports of suspected cases of Lassa fever in the state.
The ministry in a press statement on Friday said all the cases have received prompt and adequate attention, adding that two rumours have been investigated and discarded.
The statement also said that two samples have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory for Virology.
“All two cases are still suspected, unconfirmed and results still being awaited.
“However, the state was notified of a resident of Rivers State who was diagnosed in Edo State as a case of Lassa Fever on 22/1/2020.
“Incidentally, the Patient passed on at Irrua Specialist Hospital on 22nd January 2020, investigation are still ongoing at Edo State together with the Management of the Hospital, family and National Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC) as we are working assiduously to ensure Public Health safety in the exposed clusters especially among health care personnel and the first responders.
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“Presently, fifty-seven persons have been placed under surveillance. We are working in partnership with state, Federal Agencies and all stakeholders in the interest of public health security”.
The ministry, therefore, said that there is no cause for alarm as the situation as recorded is firmly under control.
“We have in stock, sufficient quantity of commodities and drugs for therapeutic and preventive interventions in case of further challenges.
“The state Infectious Isolation and Treatment teams are all on response modes for swift intervention in view of the prevailing upsurge of Lassa fever in the country, all health service centres are to maintain simple triage system for all patients and standards Infection Prevention Principles required for service delivery.
“Use of gloves, face masks and hands sanitizers as well as Infra-red Temperature Scans at health facilities should not be compromised for any suspected viral fever. Cautious management of laboratory samples is advised.
“The public is further advised to continue all necessary preventive measures in the circumstance. Prevention is better than cure.
“It is important to remind you that Lassa fever is an acute Viral Hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa Virus. The reservoir of the virus is the Multi-Mammate Rat” it said
