By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has activated an emergency response and intensified public awareness following confirmation of a Lassa fever case involving a patient linked to Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area. The patient is currently receiving treatment at FETHA in Ebonyi State.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Monday, October 19, 2026, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Awka.
Obidike said the state was strengthening disease surveillance and public health measures to prevent further transmission. He called for increased public awareness to educate residents on the symptoms, prevention and early reporting of Lassa fever.
As part of the response, the commissioner convened an emergency meeting attended by health partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Obiageli Uchebo, was also present.
The meeting led to the activation of the Incident Management System (IMS), a coordinated mechanism for managing public health emergencies, strengthening disease surveillance and ensuring a timely response to suspected cases.
The commissioner explained that health officials would follow up on the affected household in Omasi, identify people who might have had contact with the patient and classify them according to their level of exposure for appropriate monitoring and follow-up.
He urged residents experiencing persistent fever or malaria-like symptoms that do not improve with appropriate treatment to seek medical attention promptly. He warned against relying solely on self-medication, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and proper medical care.
Speaking on preventive measures, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Emembolu Chuma, advised residents to keep food covered and store it in rodent-proof containers.
He also urged them to maintain clean surroundings and prevent rats from contaminating food and household items with their urine and droppings.
Chuma warned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Lassa fever patients. He stressed the need to observe infection prevention measures and follow the guidance of health professionals.
The Ministry of Health urged residents of Omasi, other communities in Ayamelum and the wider state to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information.
It said the response measures were aimed at strengthening preparedness, monitoring potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission.
