The United Nations Children’s Education Fund, UNICEF said on Thursday it was monitoring five local government areas in Anambra State for Lassa fever.
According to it, the action became necessary following the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in the state that claimed three lives, including a medical doctor.
It added that the five local government areas being monitored were believed to be directly or indirectly affected by the disease.
UNICEF said the action was to educate the people on how to avoid contracting the disease.The five local government areas are Orumba North, Nnewi, Ayamelum, Anaocha and Anambra West.
The UNICEF Communications Officer in Anambra State, Mrs. Chineze Ileka, who led the team on Lassa fever enlightenment programme, said the world body was worried about the loss of lives caused by Lassa fever in the state.
Those participating in the enlightenment programme are drawn from communities in the five local government areas; they are expected to educate their people on the disease.
Ileka listed the ways to avoid Lassa fever to include ensuring that rats were not found in human surroundings by keeping the surroundings clean; disposing wastes properly; covering food items; throwing away foods partly eaten by rats; avoiding eating uncooked garri and other food items usually eaten raw, avoiding eating rats and avoiding contact with Lassa patients or the corpses of victims.
