The Imo state
governor, Rochas Okorocha, has warned residents to stop drinking ‘raw garri’ as
three persons were confirmed dead in the state as a result of Lassa fever.
The killer disease is
rapidly spreading across many parts of the country.
Seven cases of Lassa
fever patients were also confirmed in the state.
Mr. Okorocha, who gave
the confirmation in a statement sent to Premium Times through his Chief Press
Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, advised indigenes of the state to stop drinking raw
garri (cassava flakes) as well as avoid crowded areas.
“This is not the
period for people to drink raw garri because you know garri is not cooked and
people just pour water on garri and drink and when rat has urinated on the
garri. So people are advised as much as possible to ensure that their food is
properly cooked,” the governor said.
He said the cases were
recorded in some hospitals, “somewhere in Orlu and some other parts of the
State.” The first Lassa fever
case this year was confirmed in Ebonyi state more than a week ago.
Four people including
three health workers died from the infection in the state. The disease have
further spread to Kogi, Ondo and some other parts of the country leaving death
tolls. According
to Mr. Okorocha, the speed at which the disease is spreading is worrisome.
“This morning we woke up to hear that Lassa
fever has killed three persons and we also have seven cases of Lassa fever
patients and this number is too large for a State. And we are concerned about
the speed of spread.
“These cases were recorded in some hospitals,
somewhere in Orlu and some other parts of the State. For this reason, we kindly
advise that people should avoid over crowded areas, lessen the shaking of
hands, and body contacts at this period,” the governor said.
- Premium Times
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