30-Year-Old Farmer Dies as Cross River Confirms Lassa Fever Outbreak in Obubra

The Cross River State government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa Fever in Obubra Local Government Area (LGA) following the death of a 30-year-old male farmer from Unincha community.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, announced the outbreak in a statement dated February 24, 2025, revealing that the victim succumbed to the disease on February 17 at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FUTHA), Ebonyi State.

According to the report, the farmer had been ill for several days before seeking medical attention at FUTHA on February 15. He tested positive for Lassa Fever on February 16, but despite receiving treatment, he passed away the following day. His remains were prepared at FUTHA and transported to Unincha for a supervised burial, conducted by the Obubra LGA Rapid Response Team.

In response to the outbreak, the Cross River State Lassa Fever Emergency Operation Center was activated on February 18 by Dr. Ayuk, with state and LGA rapid response teams deployed to Unincha. The intervention is being carried out in collaboration with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The response teams are implementing key containment measures, including contact tracing and monitoring, community sensitization and awareness campaigns, town hall meetings with local leaders, decontamination of affected homes, collection of samples for laboratory testing, referral of symptomatic individuals to healthcare facilities, as well as distribution of Lassa Fever and cholera medications, medical supplies, and protective equipment in high-risk LGAs

Dr. Ayuk assured residents that the Governor Bassey Edet Otu-led administration is fully prepared to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of infectious diseases. However, he urged the public to remain vigilant, especially with the early rains, as Lassa Fever, cholera, and mpox pose significant health risks.

He explained that Lassa Fever is caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted through food or household items contaminated by Mastomys rats—a species commonly found in tropical environments. Symptoms often start with general weakness, fever, headache, sore throat, and muscle pain, progressing to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, uncontrolled bleeding.

To prevent infection, the Health Commissioner advised residents to keep their surroundings clean and free of rodents, store food in rat-proof containers, avoid direct contact with rats or their droppings, seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, and  refrain from self-medication and report suspected cases to health authorities.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health remains on high alert and is working closely with stakeholders to ensure the situation is contained swiftly.