By Davies Iheamnachor, Samuel Oyadongha, Emem Idio & Umar Yusuf

The Rivers State government has confirmed three positive cases out of the 50 reported in the State last week.

Disclosing this, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Chiwendu Atata,  said the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) had earlier commenced pro-active effort for containment of the outbreak.

“So far, all hands are on deck for facility decontamination, line-listing, presumptive prophylaxis and surveillance to ensure Public health safety and security.

“In addition, the State has procured large quantities of anti-viral agents,  isolation centres have been designated and are being set-up across the teaching hospitals in case of any eventuality. Rivers State Government is doing everything to contain the Lassa Virus.”

READ ALSO: Lassa Fever outbreak: Cross River intensifies sensitisation in rural communities

Bayelsa investigates suspected Lassa fever case

THE Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Igwele has disclosed that a suspected case of Lassa Fever has been recorded in the state.

According to Dr. Igwele, although details of the case have not been made clear, he said the suspected case was discovered at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Yenagoa, stating that samples have been collected and send to the Irrua Specialist Hospital for confirmation

The State Health Commissioner who made this known in a press briefing in Yenagoa advised health care workers and the public to take preventive measures such as, washing of hands before consumption of food, disinfecting surfaces and materials in the health care setting to avoid the transmission of the virus which spreads through ingesting food and drinks contaminated with the faeces and urine of infected rodents as well as through person to person transmission.

He said: We are rounding up our level of preparedness and awareness campaigns in we are also in touch with the Centre for Disease Control, Abuja to align our strategies and the World Health Organization as well, importantly, we are collaborating with the Federal Ports Authority at air, land and sea borders.”

Meanwhile, the State government has reportedly set up an isolation centre at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital to cater for cases of the disease if any is suspected in the state.

Adamawa confirms outbreak

Adamawa State Government has confirmed the death of a 29-year- old woman from Numan Local Government Area of the State as a result of the recent outbreak of Lassa fever.

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Abdullahi Isa disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing the press.

READ ALSO: Lassa fever claims 41 lives, 258 cases confirmed in 19 States

Isa said the index case of a 29-year-old woman was first seen in a private health hospital in Yola before she was referred to the FMC, where she expelled a macerated stillbirth.

He, however, admitted that after the laboratory test the woman was confirmed positive, while the three others tested negative for Lassa fever virus; “they were quarantined and discharged accordingly”.

Sources at the FMC disclosed that those that had direct contact with the patient are being quarantined.

The State Director, Public Health, Dr. Bwalki Dilli admitted that for now, one woman was confirmed dead just as the results of the other cases were still being awaited from the referral laboratory centre in Abuja.

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