‘30 under surveillance over Lassa fever outbreak in Abia’

The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, Dr. Abali Chuku has disclosed that 30 people are under surveillance following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Abia State.

The disease had claimed the life of a medical doctor, Chizorom Nduku.
 
According to the director, persons suspected to have had contact with the deceased, including members of his family are among those under surveillance.

While regretting the death of the doctor, Chuku said she did not however die at the FMC, Umuahia.

He explained: “She died of Lassa fever. But, before her death and along the course of the illness, she was admitted at the FMC Umuahia. During the period, a few of the staff came in contact with her in the course of her management.”

He explained that enhanced surveillance, contact tracing and commencement of prophylaxis in high-risk areas are ongoing.

The medical director added that the management has constituted relevant committees to review and strengthen the protocol for handling the emergence of the disease.

He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Abia State government and its partners are supporting in the exercise.

He also assured the general public that adequate measures have been put in place to contain the outbreak.

Chuku urged health care providers, to maintain high index of suspicion and always observe universal safety precautions when attending to their patients.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. John Ahuakanna lamented the occurrence of the disease and the loss of life, despite the proactive measures put in place in the state to prevent it.

He urged the public not to panic, as the state government, the FMC and the NCDC have taken steps to stem the tide.