Cross River Records First Death From Lassa Fever

The Cross River State Government said it has recorded the first death as a result of Lassa Fever disease.

Dr. Inyang Asibong, the State Commissioner for Health, made the announcement on Tuesday as she added that a positive test result received from the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua in Edo State confirmed that the death is as a result of the deadly disease.

 

According to her, the ministry has mandated the epidemiology team to begin contact-tracing immediately for effective monitoring.

 

Dr. Asibong described the incident as unfortunate, adding that it was the first time the state is reporting the case of death from the disease.

She however, called on the general public to increase their personal hygiene as this remains one of the most effective preventive measures.

The commissioner stated that personnel at the primary healthcare centres across the state have been asked to watch out for the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever in their patients and report any suspected case to the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA).