A doctor in Anambra state died of lassa fever along three other persons. The Ministry of Health disclosed this yesterday in Awka, the state capital, during a training workshop on Lassa fever.
The state’s Director of Public Health, Dr Emmanuel Okafor said three other persons had died of the disease. One of the resource persons Dr Jane Ezeonu said the doctor died three days ago at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) at Nnewi.
She warned against drinking raw garri, adding that the residents should protect their foodstuffs and related items from rats.
The expert noted that people don’t acquire immunity after suffering from Lassa fever.
Ezeonu said general hygiene was important in Lassa fever prevention.
He said: “In Anambra State, we don’t know the number of cases of the disease. But we have three confirmed deaths.”
The director urged health workers to follow a high health standard in handling Lassa fever cases.
Okafor said the essence of the workshop was to train professionals who would educate rural dwellers on the prevention of the disease.
He said the state government had put machinery in motion to tackle the outbreak. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Okwuchukwu Chukwuka, insisted that there was no such epidemic in the state.
Ezeonu said the late doctor was referred to NAUTH from Asaba, the Delta State capital.
