Enugu on High Alert as Govt Intensifies Lassa Fever Surveillance

The Enugu State Government has placed all health facilities on high alert over the rising cases of Lassa fever in neighbouring states, urging strict adherence to preventive measures by healthcare workers and residents.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Enugu while briefing journalists on the state’s preparedness.

He noted that although no confirmed case has been recorded in Enugu, the state has activated enhanced surveillance due to its shared borders with Benue and Ebonyi states.

According to him, neighbouring Benue State recently reported 250 suspected cases, 45 confirmed infections and 10 deaths among healthcare workers, while Ebonyi State has recorded more than six confirmed cases.

“At present, Enugu has no confirmed case. However, we are in a high-alert phase and engaging partners to prevent any outbreak,” Ugwu said.

Mandatory Measures for Health Facilities

The commissioner directed all healthcare facilities to enforce mandatory patient triage at designated points and promptly refer suspected infectious cases to centres equipped to manage them.

Tertiary institutions are required to establish holding areas for suspected cases and immediately notify the state through approved reporting channels. He stressed strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols, including the appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Healthcare workers were also advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for persistent fever unresponsive to malaria treatment and to ensure proper waste disposal and disinfection procedures.

Public Advisory

Residents were urged to maintain rodent-free environments by keeping homes clean, sealing holes in walls and floors, clearing surrounding bushes, and storing food items in tightly sealed containers.

The government also cautioned against drying food in open spaces where rodents can contaminate them, handling or consuming rats, and contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals.

Members of the public experiencing symptoms such as persistent fever, headache, weakness, vomiting, abdominal pain or unexplained bleeding were advised to seek immediate medical attention and avoid self-medication.

Emergency Response Activated

Ugwu revealed that the state has activated “Enhanced Mode” surveillance across all 17 Local Government Areas, with Rapid Response Teams on 24-hour standby.

Personal Protective Equipment, essential medicines and safe-burial materials have been pre-positioned, while risk communication materials are being distributed in local languages.

Nigeria has recorded 1,469 suspected cases, 318 confirmed cases and over 70 deaths nationwide, with outbreaks reported in Taraba State, Ondo State, Bauchi State, Edo State, Benue State, Nasarawa State, Kogi State and Ebonyi State.

The commissioner urged media organisations to disseminate only verified information from the Ministry of Health and to amplify accurate public health messages.

Residents were encouraged to report suspected cases through designated state emergency lines.