The Commissioner for Health in Cross River State, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, has confirmed the alleged outbreak of Hemorrhagic fever in Ndebeji Community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the State.
The Commissioner made the confirmation after visiting the community and a health center in the area where he stated that a patient had lost a lot of blood following the outbreak.
Dr. Ayuk said he has notified the State’s Epidemiologist and her team and has also directed them to work with the Local Government Area team to carry out more investigations by taking samples from the suspected case for diagnosis, as well as providing adequate infection prevention and control in the health center.
The fever, which he said is transmitted mainly from animals and insects, the primary hosts, can be contracted by humans when in contact with an affected animal or human who has already contracted the infection.
The Commissioner also charged the team to sensitize the people of the Community on the prevention measures. One can contract the virus through inhaling or coming in contact with the host and anything that has been affected by the virus that causes illness.
He emphasized the importance of collecting all samples of any suspected infected products and listing them, as that is the only way to prevent it from spreading. Additionally, maintaining personal and environmental hygiene is crucial, and avoiding rodents is necessary. In situations where it is unavoidable to come in contact with animals, one should put on protective wear.
