3 killed by Lassa fever in Rivers State

Following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria, no fewer than three people have been confirmed dead in Rivers state.

The Acting Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health, Dr Chinwe Atata disclosed that they have initiated a proactive method to contain the outbreak.

She said at a press briefing on Wednesday January 29;

“We have received preliminary confirmation that three of the samples tested positive to Lassa virus, the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre had earlier commenced proactive effort for containment of the outbreak.

”All hands are on deck for facility decontamination, line-listing, presumptive prophylaxis and surveillance to ensure public health safety and security of people.”

The Acting Permanent Secretary, Atata urged Rivers state residents to promote good community hygiene and also prevent rodents from entering their rooms.

Atata said isolation centres have also been setup across teaching hospitals in the State.

She added;

“The state has procured large quantities of antiviral agents and isolation centres have been designated and are being setup across the teaching hospitals in state in case of any eventuality, the state government is doing everything to contain the Lassa virus.”