Lassa Fever: Imo Govt Begins War Against Pests, Rodents, Wastes

Following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Imo State, the government has begun creating awareness on prevention of the disease.

The government through the Imo Environmental and Transformation Commission, commenced a campaign against rodents and other household pests in Owerri, the state capital.

Naija News recalls that the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Angela Uwakwem, had last week confirmed the case of Lassa fever in the state and that three persons had died while seven others were quarantined.

Speaking on the commencement of the campaign, the Managing Director of Imo ENTRACO, Jeff Nwoha, revealed that the fumigation exercise started on Saturday during the first monthly sanitation programme for the year.

He added that the day was selected in a bid to ensure that the state was clean and rid of anything that could encourage the spread of Lassa fever and other diseases.

According to Nwoha, “The governor has instructed that proactive steps should be taken to end the outbreak of Lassa fever, which has already claimed three lives in our state.

“ENTRACO, as a responsible environmental agency, has undertaken the task of fumigating various parts of the state, especially Owerri, the state capital.

“We want to, through waging of war against pests, rodents and wastes, fight this virus. We want our environment to be clean and habitable. We are equally creating awareness so that people would be mindful of the foods they eat and the people they shake.

“ENTRACO, under my leadership, is passionate about healthy environments. Findings show that clean environment abhors Lassa fever. After the exercise, we will begin intensive enlightenment programmes so that we will overcome this outbreak of virus as quickly as possible.”He, however, supported call for the restructuring of the country.”