Doctors call for Lassa fever treatment centers in south east Nigeria

The South East zonal caucus of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has enjoined the Nigerian government to establish health centres and facilities where Lassa fever patients could be treated and managed. 

The caucus made the appeal at its emergency meeting held in Owerri where members discussed issues of urgent national importance. 

Briefing newsmen, the chairman of the South East zone of NMA, Dr. Emeka Obiora, disclosed that there had been an outbreak of Lassa fever in the zone, especially in Ebonyi State, and decried the non-availability of medical facilities that could manage the disease. 

According to him, victims of Lassa fever in the zone could only receive best treatment in Erua Edo State or Lagos state. In the process of transferring such patients, he said the risk of contracting the disease is greatly increased.

He also laminated that as a result of lack of diagnostic facilities in the zone, medical personnel are put at the risk of contacting the disease easily, explaining that the meeting in Owerri was meant to enlighten the people about the way to handle the situation.