Juliet Jacob
The Cross River State government has cautioned its citizens over a potential viral haemorrhagic fever outbreak in old Ndebeji in the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the State.
The state Health Commissioner, Dr Henry Ayuk, gave the warning in Calabar, on Saturday. noting that a suspected initial case is under investigation in strict isolation at the Ndebeji healthcare facility.
Viral haemorrhagic fever comprises a range of infectious diseases that disrupt the blood’s clotting process.
These diseases are transmitted through contact with infected animals, individuals, or insects, such as Ebola and yellow fever.
He mentioned that he had instructed the state’s epidemiologist and her team to collaborate with the local government team in gathering samples from suspected cases for testing.
They will provide care for the patients, implement infection prevention measures, and work with community leaders to control movements of contacts until test results are available.
He emphasized that symptoms of the virus include fever, rash, weakness, bleeding, or no symptoms at all.
Ayuk urged residents to steer clear of rodents and insects and to wear protective gear when near animals or zoos.
