Anambra State launches emergency response after confirming Lassa fever case in Ayamelu​m

The government of Anambra State announced on 20 October 2026 that a case of Lassa fever has been confirmed in the Ayamelum Local Government Area, specifically linked to the community of Omasi. The patient is being treated at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, according to statements from the state health commissioner, Dr Afam Obidike.

During an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held in the state capital, Awka, Dr Obidike disclosed that the state had activated an emergency response framework to prevent additional transmission. The response includes the activation of an Incident Management System and the intensification of disease surveillance and public awareness activities. Representatives from the World Health Organization and the humanitarian group Médecins Sans Frontières were present at the meeting, underscoring the collaborative nature of the effort.

Health officials plan to conduct follow‑up investigations of the household in Omasi where the patient resides. They will identify individuals who had contact with the patient, classify them according to exposure risk and implement appropriate monitoring protocols. The aim is to detect any secondary cases early and provide timely treatment.

Residents of Anambra have been urged to seek medical attention promptly if they experience persistent fever or malaria‑like symptoms that do not improve with standard treatment. The health commissioner warned against reliance on self‑medication, emphasizing that early diagnosis and professional care are critical for managing Lassa fever.

State epidemiologist Dr Chuma Emembolu added further preventive guidance. He recommended that households keep food covered and store it in containers that are resistant to rodent intrusion, maintain clean surroundings, and avoid direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed cases. Dr Emembolu also called for strict adherence to infection‑prevention measures and cautioned the public against spreading unverified information.

The coordinated response reflects Anambra’s commitment to containing the disease and protecting public health, while also highlighting the role of international partners in supporting local health initiatives.