The Cross River State Government has alerted residents of a likely outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in old Ndebeji, in the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk who issued the alert in Calabar on Saturday, said a suspected index case was currently being investigated in complete isolation at the Ndebeji healthcare centre.
The Daily Crucible reports that Viral haemorrhagic fever is any group of infectious diseases that interfere with the blood’s ability to clot.
They are spread through contact with infected animals, persons or insects.
Known examples include Ebola and yellow fever.
Dr Ayuk disclosed that the state’s epidemiologist and her team had been directed to work with the local government team to collect samples from suspected cases for diagnosis.
The Health Commissioner appealed to the residents put on personal protective wears and avoid rodents and insect bites if they must come close to livestock, other animals and zoos.
“They will provide palliative case management and institutionalise adequate infection prevention and control in the facility.
“They will also work with community leaders to identify and restrict movements of known contacts till the sample results of the suspected index client are out and entrench risk communication in the community.
“I must note that cases are most likely to present early with fever, rash, body weakness, bleeding from body openings or may even be asymptomatic,’’ he said.
