By Austin Ogwuda
DELTA State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme has broken silence over the outbreak of Lassa fever which reportedly occurred last month in Oshimili North local government area of Delta State, Nigeria.
Recall that The Townhall reported an official statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the Local government, Dr. Ajuduah Victor about the outbreak.
The State Health Commissioner confirmed the outbreak while fielding questions from newsmen in his office on Tuesday.
Said he, “The State Epidemiology department moved in immediately it was reported and is under control. So there is no spread currently, no cause for alarm”, he stated.
Dr. Ajuduah had in that ‘red-alert’ statement, issued on the 30th of April 2024, said, “The Oshimili North Local Government Health Authority wishes to inform the general public and residents of Oshimili North LGA in particular that the LGA has recorded two confirmed cases of lassa fever in the past few months, one in EBU and one in Ibusa.
“We wish to inform the public that a case of LASSA fever is an outbreak and is highly contagious and deadly.
“To this effect, we encourage everyone to be cautious, ensure universal basic precautions to avoid further spread and mortality.
“In the event of any suspected case(s) or other diseases of Public health importance”, the statement went on, “report to the nearest hospital and/or you can contact ;
*LGA DSNO* (Disease Surveillance and notification Officer)- 0803682 4416; ADSNO –07036932663; HPO (Health Promotion Officer) – 08080773310
Dr Ajudua Victor
Executive Secretary