LASSA FEVER HITS IMO: 3 DEAD

Seven cases of Lassa fever patients have been reported in Imo State with three confirmed dead by the State Government.

Briefing newsmen at the Government House Owerri, Governor Rochas Okorocha said the cases were first noticed at a hospital in Orlu.

Governor Okorocha advised Imo citizens to avoid over crowded areas, lessen handshakes and body contact, especially in schools and markets.

He said that the Imo State Ministry of Health had taken necessary steps to curtail the spread of the virus, noting that the corpses would be taken care of by the government.

The Governor advised people to report any cases of fever for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Also, the Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Angela Uwakwem, said the virus was now in six States across the country.

Dr. Uwakwem noted that the Lassa fever virus could be prevented if the food materials at home were properly preserved to avoid contamination of rats’ urine and faeces as well as avoid over crowded areas.

She advised people to cook their food very well and avoid taking raw foods like drinking of garri.

CHUKWUKA AGUKWE