Delta State Commissioner of Health, Joseph Onojaeme, has confirmed four cases of Lassa fever in the state, with affected areas including Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ndokwa East Council areas.
Onojaeme urged residents to maintain clean environments to prevent rat infestation, a major factor in the spread of the disease.
Emergency Operation Centers have been established to monitor and manage the situation. Speaking to reporters in Asaba, Onojaeme disclosed that the fatality rate for the confirmed cases is currently at 50%, higher than the general fatality rate of 1-15% for Lassa fever.
The state government has set up a multi-sectoral EOC to coordinate efforts and has improved testing capabilities, reducing test result turnaround time to less than 24 hours.
