Lassa fever virus Quarantine center set up in Anambra; Health Commissioner Joe Akabuike on the go

www.odogwublog.com reports that Anambra State Government has set up a quarantine centre at Awka North local government area, where patients of lassa fever would be tested, treated and kept for a moment for close examinations.
The government equally doused the tension over Lassa Fever virus outbreak in the state, restating its resolve to ensure the state maintains its Lassa fever free status.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Akabuike, disclosed this during the Anambra State Emergency Response Committee Management meeting held in Awka .
Dr. Akabuike who said Anambra state has not recorded any case of Lassa fever, affirmed that government has provided centres at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka, Onitsha general hospital, and a quarantine centre which is still under construction at Awka North local government area, where patients would be tested, treated and kept for a moment for close examinations.

The Commissioner called for massive sensitization of the people, which, he said, would help them play their part in the prevention of the disease from entering into the state.

He also called on private health facilities and the general public to work in synergy with the health sector in the fight against the deadly disease by reporting any noticed case, to prevent complication and its circulation.       

The State World Health Organization Coordinator, Willie Onuorah, advised medical practitioners to be careful while handling patients, so that they would not be infected with the disease, stressing that it is communicable.

Speaking, the State Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Eric Anazodo, said persistent sour throat, diarrhea, and fever, are some of the symptoms of Lassa fever, and any one that noticed such symptoms should immediately see a doctor, to prevent complication and spread.          

On his part, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Dr. Evaristus Afiadigwe, encouraged the general public to always maintain personal and environmental hygiene, saying it is the only preventive measure for Lassa fever contraction.