The Rivers State chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has appealed to the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government to expedite action in containing the spread of Lassa fever across Rivers State and Nigeria.
The position of the Congress was stated on Monday by its Rivers State Chairman, Comrade Hyginus Chika Onuegbu, in a statement.
Onuegbu said the Congress understands that Lassa fever is a very fatal viral haemorrhagic fever that kills faster than Ebola, adding: “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 given 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.
“We think that adequate public awareness is crucial in any plan to contain the spread of the deadly virus.”
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