The Cross River State Government has issued a warning regarding a potential outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in the area of old Ndebeji, situated within the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, delivered this cautionary message in Calabar on Saturday, highlighting that a suspected index case is currently under investigation while being kept in complete isolation at the Ndebeji healthcare centre.
Dr. Ayuk emphasized the seriousness of viral haemorrhagic fever, describing it as a group of infectious diseases that disrupt the blood’s clotting ability. He stated that these diseases can be transmitted through contact with infected animals, individuals, or insects, citing examples such as Ebola and yellow fever.
“We have directed the state’s epidemiologist and her team to collaborate with the local government team in collecting samples from suspected cases for diagnosis,” stated Dr. Ayuk, outlining the immediate steps being taken to address the situation. “They will provide palliative case management and institutionalize adequate infection prevention and control measures in the facility.”
Dr. Ayuk also stressed on the importance of community involvement in containing the spread of the suspected outbreak. “They will also work with community leaders to identify and restrict movements of known contacts until the sample results of the suspected index client are out and entrench risk communication in the community,” he affirmed.
Dr. Ayuk urged residents to remain vigilant. “I must note that cases are most likely to present early with fever, rash, body weakness, bleeding from body openings, or may even be asymptomatic,” he cautioned.
In his appeal to the public, Dr. Ayuk urged residents to take precautionary measures to minimize the risk of infection. “Avoid rodents and insect bites, and if necessary to come close to livestock, other animals, and zoos, individuals should wear personal protective gear,” he advised.
