Uwakwem, who confirmed the incident to Punch correspondent in Owerri on Wednesday said, “Lassa fever is in Owerri. It is confirmed.”
Uwakwem said two persons died of the virus after they were “referred out of” the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.
The health commissioner said, “We have seven suspected cases of Lassa fever. Two are confirmed.
“The Imo State Government is working hard to establish the point of first contact. The media should also help us to enlighten our people.
“People should stop unnecessary shaking of hands. People should also stop eating exposed foods. The virus is caused by rats, so people should be encouraged to make use of rat poison in their homes.”
The Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Dr. Kingsley Achigbu, told The Punch in a telephone conversation on Wednesday that two victims were referred to the hospital.
According to him, the Lassa fever victims who were referred to FMC from another hospital were later “referred out.”
He explained that Governor Rochas Okorocha has been informed of the outbreak of the virus and the number of victims.
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