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The Ebonyi State Government has confirmed the deaths of 10 individuals and the infection of 15 others across seven local government areas in response to the Lassa Fever outbreak.
The Disease Surveillance Notification Officer, Mr. Orogwu Sampson, from the State Ministry of Health, verified that the cases took place between January 4 and February 16, 2024.
He noted that within the one-month period, “25 people were infected including 2 healthcare workers with 10 deaths.”
Orogwu mentioned that in the previous year, the State documented 53 cases with 36 fatalities, emphasizing that the disease affects individuals of all age groups. He restated that among the 25 confirmed cases, 16 were male, and nine were female.
“Those who died include a pregnant woman, two children, men and women.
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“The Local Government Areas affected include Onicha, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ebonyi, Izzi, Ohaukwu and Abakaliki with Hausa quarters and Nkaliki residential areas recording the highest number of cases.
“Other LGAs that have not recorded any case so far may be because they have not reported not that it doesn’t exist there,” he explained.
He stressed that the treatment is offered at no cost and encouraged individuals to undergo early detection, seek timely medical attention, and receive treatment to prevent additional loss of lives.
According to the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Ogbonna Nwambeke, the State Government is partnering with several organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Breakthrough Action Nigeria, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among others, to address the problem.
He urged for the allocation of resources to bolster surveillance efforts and community engagement in mitigating the risk factors.
