Lassa Fever: Cross River Records First Death
By Andah John
A case of Lassa fever death has been recorded in Cross River state, Nigeria’s south-south region, the state government has confirmed.
This followed a positive test result received from the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua in Edo State.
Commissioner for Health in the state Dr Inyang Asibong made the announcement in a statement.
Health ministry begins contact-tracing
And following the incident, the commissioner said the ministry has mandated the epidemiology team to begin contact-tracing immediately for effective monitoring.
She described the Lassa-fever-related death as unfortunate, adding that it was the first time the state is reporting the case of death from the disease.
Dr Asibong thern urged the general public to improve on their personal hygiene as this remains one of the most effective preventive measures.
The commissioner further stated that officials at the primary healthcare centres across the state have been asked to watch out for the signs and symptoms of the disease, adding that any suspected case should be reported to the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA).
