C’River seeks WHO expertise to tackle Lassa fever outbreak
By; Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar.
Following reported cases of Lassa feveroutbreak in the country, Cross River State Government has concluded plans to collaborate with the World Health Organization, (WHO) on how to prevent the outbreak of the disease in the state.
Dr. Inyang Asibong, Commissioner for Health disclosed this during a meeting with stakeholders in the health sector in his office.
He noted that aside the WHO, the state will engage other relevant agencies to ensure adequate quantities of ribavrin, the anti-viral drug for Lassa fever, was distributed to health posts across the state.
According to him, with reported cases of Lassa fever in ten states and with a death toll of about 14, “we are not resting on our oars as we have embarked on preventive measures which include sensitization of members of the public in order to stop the spread of the disease in the state”.
He added that “we are collaborating with WHO and other relevant agencies to ensure adequate distribution of ribavirin, the anti-viral drug for Lassa fever to specific health posts across the state”.
Health workers he added “will be sensitized on universal precautions, which are a practice in medicine to avoid contact with patient’s bodily fluid since the symptoms of Lassa fever are so varied and nonspecific.”
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