The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu, has disclosed that the sample of a suspected Lassa fever patient taken to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State has indicated negative.
Speaking with newsmen via phone in Calabar, Cross River State capital Dr Edu said “The final lab results have come into the state. It got into the state yesterday night, it was negative. So, we do not have any case. In fact, right now, we do not even have any suspected case in Cross River State.
On what she asked the people to do, the Commissioner said “We are advising them to be topmost on prevention right now. So, let’s avoid anything that will make our environment dirty.
“Wash our hands, keep everywhere clean, avoid rats and do not dry food – all the things people usually spread on the ground such as garri, rice, crayfish, pepper and others to avoid contamination with the saliva, faeces or urine of the infected rats.
“And very importantly, food stuff should be stored in very tight containers and keep them closed always. Dust bins should be closed always and refuse properly disposed away from the house so as not to keep breeding grounds for rats to run around and infect people. I am glad we do not have anybody eating rats in Cross River. So, we are presently Lassa fever free.”
Consequently, on sensitization in the rural communities, she said it is still ongoing, Yes, we have covered four local government areas, Ikom, Yakurr, Abi and Odukpani, so far. Health workers have been mobilized across the state to continue the sensitization.
“Presently, there is a protocol on all the primary healthcare centres to ensure that they can easily support suspected cases and easily transport them to isolation centres where they will be managed,” she stated.
