Cross River declares Lassa fever outbreak in Ejah community, begins contact tracing

The Cross River government has announced the outbreak of Lassa fever in Ejah community of Obubra LGA of the state.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus.

It is primarily transmitted to humans either through direct contact with infected Mastomys rodents, or through food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected rodents.

Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids.

In a statement on Thursday, Henry Ayuk, Cross River commissioner for health, said the state government’s rapid response team has begun contact tracing and line listing.

“This is to notify the public of Lassa fever outbreak in Ejah community of Osupong ward 1, Obubra LGA,” he said.

“Investigation has been concluded and details of the deceased, a resident of Obubra, gotten from Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State — confirmed he died of Lassa fever.”

He said the state government has also activated the community rescue service emergency operation centre.

“The team will  carry out a decontamination of affected premises, awareness creation and risk communication,” he said.

“We are also mobilising Lassa fever commodities, consumables and personal protective equipment to the General Hospital Obubra and other locations.”