Raphael Ede
The Enugu State Government has placed its health system on high alert following the death of 10 health care workers in neighbouring Benue State due to the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof George Ugwu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing, noting that while Enugu has recorded nine suspected cases with no confirmed infections this season, the proximity to affected states necessitated an emergency response.
“The national outlook of the disease remains grim, with 1,469 suspected cases, 318 confirmed, and over 70 deaths reported across Taraba, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Ebonyi states,” Ugwu said.
Highlighting the situation in Benue, he added, “Because of our proximity to these affected areas, particularly our shared borders with Benue and Ebonyi states, we are now in a high alert phase.
“Surveillance has been elevated to ‘Enhanced Mode’ in all local government areas, especially in the hotspots.”
As part of proactive measures, he said all public and private health facilities had been directed to make patient triaging mandatory.
The commissioner said tertiary institutions must establish holding areas for suspected cases, and health workers are to maintain a high index of suspicion for persistent fevers unresponsive to malaria treatment, strictly following Infection Prevention and Control guidelines.
“Facilities must provide a holding area for suspected cases and immediately alert the state. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when attending to suspected cases,” Ugwu added.
The Ministry of Health also advised residents to maintain rodent-free environments, practise safe food storage, avoid consuming rats, refrain from self-medication, and seek prompt medical attention for symptoms such as headache, vomiting, or bleeding.
Ugwu assured that essential commodities, including PPEs, medicines, and body bags, had been pre-positioned, while Rapid Response Teams are on 24-hour standby.
He also urged the media to avoid sensational reporting and encouraged the public to report suspected cases through official emergency lines.
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