Chidi Samuel || Three people have died of Lassa fever, in Owerri, the Imo State Capital, according to gov Rochas Okorocha.
The governor made the disclosure while speaking to government house correspondents in the state capital on Wednesday.
“This morning we woke up to hear that Lassa fever has killed three persons and we also have seven cases of Lassa fever patients and this number is too large for a state. And we are concerned about the speed of spread. These cases were recorded in some hospitals, somewhere in Orlu and some other parts of the state, the governor said.
“The Ministry of Health has been adequately informed to take all necessary steps to curtail the spread. But as this number has risen this morning, we advise that people should avoid as much as possible some foods and body contact, especially in schools and market areas.
“We will do everything humanly possible to make sure that this spread is curtailed. While the government is taking this action, people should keep a clean and healthy environment at this time; avoid so many children staying in one place while the government should handle the burial of those that died of Lassa fever.”
Dr. Kingsley Achigbu, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, while also confirming the incident, stated that two victims were referred to the hospital.
The state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Angela Uwakwem, on her part, said that the State Government was working hard to establish the point of first contact.
Uwakwem pleaded with the media to help enlighten the people.
She said, “People should stop unnecessary shaking of hands; people should equally stop eating exposed food. The virus is caused by rats, so people should be encouraged to make use of rat poison in their homes.”