THE Anambra State House of Assembly has directed the executive arm of government to prevail on the commissioner for health to intensify public enlightenment campaign on preventive measures against Lassa fever.

The resolution was adopted during plenary of the House in Awka,followed a motion sponsored by Onyebuchi Offor, minority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency.

According to him, Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by Lassa virus that is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items through rodent’s urine or faeces.

Offor emphasised, that “public enlightenment campaign on the deadly virus by ministry of health will enable people to embrace good hygiene, which can prevent spread of the diseases in the state’’.

Supporting the motion, Ikem Uzoezie, member representing Aguata Two Constituency, stressed the need for Anambra State government to build isolation centres in the three Senatorial Zones of the state.

This would aim at checking spread of the disease by compelling citizens to always cover household foods to prevent Lassa fever.

Lawrence Ezeudu, chief whip and member representing Dunukofia Constituency,  called on Anambra State Waste Management Agency to always evacuate refuse from temporary sites to help to rid the state of unhealthy environment.

This is because untidy environment are the breeding ground for the fever.

Obinna Emeneka, member representing Anambra East Constituency, noted that since there were no vaccines against the virus, prevention of the fever lay in promoting good community hygiene to discourage rodents from entering homes.

He added that the motion, if implemented would save lives.

Rita Maduagwu, speaker of the House, read the resolution to the House.

– Jan. 30, 2018 @ 03:22 GMT