The Ebonyi State Government has disclosed that 23 lives have been lost to Lassa fever, with 48 confirmed cases out of 394 suspected cases reported between January and December 2024.
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced this at a health-focused event in Abakaliki, underscoring plans to enhance healthcare delivery across the state.
To address recurring outbreaks, the government is set to establish specialist hospitals in each of the state’s three senatorial zones. These hospitals aim to provide accessible, quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
READ ALSO :10 die from Lassa Fever in Ebonyi
Nwifuru highlighted his administration’s commitment to combating diseases through improved public health infrastructure, better surveillance systems, and community sensitization efforts. He attributed the virus’s spread to socio-cultural practices, poor environmental sanitation, and inadequate health awareness, stressing the importance of proactive measures in curbing such outbreaks.
In addition, the governor emphasized that substantial funds have been allocated in the 2025 budget to upgrade healthcare services and ensure the employment of skilled personnel and procurement of essential medical equipment.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the Arenavirus family of viruses.
Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats.
It’s common in West Africa. Most people get mild symptoms, like fever and headaches.
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