Two out of the three cases of deaths recorded since an outbreak of Lassa fever was reported in Delta State on January 26, 2018 are from Anambra State.

The state Commissioner for Health Dr. Mordi Ononye, in a press release in Asaba on Saturday, disclosed that since then, the state have recorded seven confirmed cases, while 24 persons have been placed under surveillance.

According to the Commissioner for Health, some of the cases were referred from Federal Medical Center (FMC), Asaba, to Institute of Lassa Fever, Irrua, Edo State, adding that the first case have been treated and discharged stressing that active case search and contact tracing is ongoing.

He said that as an immediate response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health, through its rapid response team, has been coordinating the state’s response to contain the spread of the disease, just as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, has been contacted and presently collaborating with the state in this regard.

Dr. Ononye stated that the Ministry, in collaboration with the State Primary Health Development Agency, is creating awareness through the various mass media so the general public can refresh their memories on how the disease is transmitted and therefore take preventive measures to forestall its spread.

The Commissioner for Health revealed that some Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) were earlier procured and distributed to health facilities across the state including the FMC, Asaba, in addition to the sensitisation of health workers in the state to have a high index of suspicion and take preventive measures when managing infectious cases.

He urged the general public not to panic but report any suspected case to the nearest health facility or call 07037120510 or 08168741415

Dr. Ononye expressed the profound gratitude of his ministry to the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, who has provided all the support to the ministry to enable them curtail the spread of disease in the state.

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