VIROLOGY CENTRE TO BE BUILT IN EBONYI

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has commended the Federal government for its plan to establish a virology centre in the state for the treatment of Lassa fever.
The Chairman of the Association, Dr. Ugochukwu Umahi gave the commendation while briefing newsmen on the need for more public awareness to check further spread of the virus.

Dr. Umahi described the plan to establish the virology centre in the state as apt given that Ebonyi was one of the areas where the disease had been reported to be endemic in the past.
He stated that sending specimens and patients to Irrua in Edo state for confirmation and care sometimes compromise the result of laboratory test and called on health institutions to adhere to the protocol for the management of the disease.

The Chairman Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) Lassa Fever Control Committee, Dr. Nnenna Ajayi stressed the need for the virology centre when established to be comprehensive with a dedicated team of health workers for proper management of confirmed Lassa fever cases in the state.
Dr. Ajayi advised members of the public to keep their surroundings clean and seek medical attention from reputable health institutions when experiencing feverish conditions.

Correspondent Amechi Odo reports that Lassa fever has so far claimed one life in Ebonyi State this year.