Lassa Fever Kills Medical Doctor, 3 Others in Anambra

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Friday, August 19th, 2016

By IGNATIUS OKPARA
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The deadly Lassa fever disease has killed a medical Doctor and three others in Anambra state, south east Nigeria.

This was disclosed Thursday by Dr. Jane Ezeonu, a senior health officer in the state and a resource person during a training workshop put together by the state Ministry of Health in Awka, the state capital.

Ezeonu, hinted that the medical doctor died at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, on Tuesday.

According to her, the deceased doctor was referred to the Nnamdi Azikiwe university Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) from Asaba, Delta state.

She however, warned people of the state to stop drinking raw garri, adding that they should protect their food and related items from rats.

Ezeonu, explained that people don’t acquire immunity after suffering from Lassa fever, as believed in some quarters, adding that general hygiene was important in Lassa fever prevention.

In his presentation at the workshop, the state Director of Public Health, Dr. Emmanuel Okafor, revealed that the state recently recorded the death of three other persons.

He stated that the essence of the workshop was to train professionals who would go to the grassroots to educate the people on the prevention of the disease.

The event was attended medical experts from part of the state.