Lassa Fever: Imo Govt Declares War Against Rodents, Others

The Imo State government through an Imo Environmental and Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) has commenced a campaign against rodents and other pests in Owerri, in order to avert further spread of Lassa fever outbreak.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Angela Uwakwem, had last week confirmed that Lassa fever was in the state and that three persons had died while seven others were quarantined.

The Managing Director of Imo ENTRACO, Jeff Nwoha, said proactive steps would be explored to combat the epidemic, adding that fumigation started on Saturday during the monthly sanitation exercise to ensure that the state was rid of things that could increase the spread of Lassa fever and other diseases.

Nwoha said, “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.”