FG, Rivers Not Doing Enough To Curb Spread Of Lassa Fever – TUC

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The Trade Union Congress (TUC), in Rivers State, has lamented that the Federal and Rivers State governments have not responded well to contain the spread of Lassa fever that has killed a medical doctor and two others in the state within one month.

Rivers TUC Chairman, Mr Chuka Onuegbu in a statement, yesterday, described Lassa fever as even more deadly than the dreaded Ebola that was effectively contained in the country.

“The TUC, Rivers State appeals to the Rivers State and Federal Governments to expedite action in containing the spread of Lassa fever across the state and Nigeria,” he said.

“Lassa fever is a very fatal viral haemorrhagic fever which we understand kills faster than Ebola. Already several deaths have been reported while many more especially in the rural areas go unnoticed because of the low level of sensitization of the public on Lassa fever.

“We are deeply worried that the Lassa fever epidemic is not being giving the attention it deserves in the state and this could lead to several more avoidable deaths. We call on the Rivers State Government to keep the public regularly updated on the Lassa fever outbreak in Rivers State; explain the efforts being made to contain the spread; the number of reported cases; symptoms; Isolation and treatment centres; and preventive actions that should be taken by individuals,” Onuegbu said.