Rivers State Government says it has risen to the challenge posed by Lassa fever which has already claimed one life.
Health Commissioner, Dr. Tamunoiyoriari Parker stated this in a broadcast to inform residents of the state of the disease “just a few days ago, my attention was drawn to the isolation of the virus in a suspected case here in Rivers State.
We lost the patience before any attempt could be made to rescue him” the Commissioner said.
According to Dr. Parker the State Ministry of Health is intensifying surveillance and consolidating on the established control structures.
He stated that an isolation ward has been designed and equipped for this purpose at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Choba.
The Health Commissioner said a multi-disciplinary task force has already fashioned an integrated approach to ensure that the disease is contained.
Dr. Parker stressed that government has procured sufficient drugs and consumables to manage exposed persons and suspected cases.
According to Dr. Parker, the common symptoms which manifest after about 6-21 days incubation period include fever, rigor, cough, muscle pain, sore throat, facial swelling, weakness, diarrhoea, constipation, seizures, deafness and unexpected bleeding.
He noted that when the symptoms are identified early the chances of recovery with antiviral treatment are very high.
Dr. Parker advised that people should maintain the best environmental hygiene and keep rodents out of their work and dwelling places to ensure effective containment.
It would be recalled that last year the outbreak of same viral hemorrhagic disease claimed some lives but was brought under control.
