Authorities in Cross River have issued a warning about a potential outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in Old Ndebeji, located in the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state. Viral haemorrhagic fevers are a group of infectious diseases that affect the blood's ability to clot and are transmitted through contact with infected animals, humans, or insects, such as Ebola and yellow fever.
Dr. Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health in Cross River, disclosed that a suspected case is currently under investigation at the Ndebeji healthcare center, where the patient is isolated. He has instructed the state epidemiologist and her team to collect samples from suspected cases for diagnosis, provide palliative care, and implement infection prevention and control measures.
Residents have been advised to avoid contact with rodents and insects, and to wear personal protective equipment if they must interact with livestock, animals, or zoos. Early symptoms of the disease include fever, rash, body weakness, bleeding from body openings, or may even be asymptomatic. Authorities are also working with community leaders to enforce movement restrictions for known contacts until test results are available and to enhance risk communication in the area.
