BEVERLY HILLS, January 24, (THEWILL) –Â Dr. Angela Uwakwem, Imo State Health Commissioner, has revealed that two residents of Owerri, the State Capital, have died of Lassa fever which has resurfaced in the state.
Uwakwem, who confirmed the incident on Wednesday saying, “Lassa fever is in Owerri. It is confirmed.”
“We have seven suspected cases of Lassa fever. Two are confirmed.
“The Imo State Government is working hard to establish the point of first contact. The media should also help us to enlighten our people.
“People should stop unnecessary shaking of hands. People should also stop eating exposed foods. The virus is caused by rats, so people should be encouraged to make use of rat poison in their homes.”
The Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Dr. Kingsley Achigbu, explained that the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has been informed of the outbreak of the virus and the number of victims.
He debunked the speculations that the victims died in FMC, Owerri, saying that the authorities of the hospital referred them out of the Federal Government-owned facility after thay had been given medical attention.
