Lassa Fever: FMC Owerri Treats Cases – MD

Following the news of Lassa Fever outbreak in Imo state, residents have been advised not to panic.

The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo state, Dr. Kingsley Achigbu, made the appeal, assuring residents that appropriate measures have been devised by the health institution to welcome, diagnose and treat patients with the case.

Speakingin his office with newsmen today, Friday, Achigbu said that FMC Owerri has equipment that diagnoses, as well as treats patients with the fever.

He said, “We are ready here to accept, check and treat patients who have Lassa Fever. We are happy that the federal government through the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole had applied measures to curtail the virus, as well as treat those who have it”.

Achigbu explained that steps have been taken to by FMC Owerri to educate doctors, nurses and other health workers on ways to avoid contracting the virus while attending to patients. He added that the public are not left out, as the medical centre was creating awareness to the general public particularly   rural wellers.

He said: “Effective communication about the killer virus is germane and FMC Owerri has succeeded in talking to its staff particularly doctors and other health workers on preventive measures.

He included that “Rats, which have the virus commonly live with man in his house. I, therefore, proffer preventive measures for doctors, nurses and other health workers. They include: using bleach (jik) which kills the virus, glove and mask and sometimes cladding. This is because man can equally transmit the virus to his fellow man. I also warn against self-medication. People should be careful and observed neatness”.

Achigbu thanked the Rochas Okorcha-led government for monitoring and deploying resources to cure Lassa fever, adding that FMC Owerri has a special ward, where patients of Lassa fever were being treated and cared for.