Lassa fever: Delta records 3 deaths, 7 cases

Delta state has recorded three cases of deaths since the outbreak of Lassa fever while 24 persons have been placed under surveillance.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, who stated this in a press release in Asaba disclosed that since the outbreak on January 26, two of the three deaths were from Anambra state.
The health commissioner said, so far, the state has recorded 7 confirmed cases.
According to him, some of the cases were referred from Federal Medical Center (FMC)Asaba, to the Institute of Lassa Fever, Irrua, Edo state, adding that the first case had been treated and discharged, stressing that active case search and contact tracing was ongoing.
He, however, said as an immediate response to the outbreak, the ministry of health, through its rapid response team, has been coordinating the state’s response to curtail 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 was creating awareness through the various mass media for the general public to refresh their memories on how the disease is transmitted and therefore take preventive measures to forestall its spread.
The commissioner 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.