Rivers confirms Lassa fever case

Rivers State government has confirmed the outbreak of the deadly disease of Lassa fever at a private health facility in Emohua Local Government council area of the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Theophilus Odagme explained yesterday that the patient upon discovery was expertly managed by the medical personnel and has fully recovered from the ailment. He added that the primary and secondary contacts are being followed up.

Odagme said the ministry of health had collaborated with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the private hospital and the family of the patient to ensure that the processes of decontamination and contacts were effectively carried out.

The commissioner said government had adequate medical facilities in the local government area to tackle cases of Lassa fever or any form of epidemic.He urged residents to take the issue of clean environments very seriously and canvassed avoidance of self-medication whenever any fever symptoms are observed.Odagme advised citizens to shun items that could attract rats into their homes, urging the people not to panic.