Ebonyi earmarks N250m to tackle virus

Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi says the state government will spend N250 million to tackle Lassa fever which has claimed three lives in the state.

Umahi, who last week declared a state of emergency on the disease, disclosed this on Friday in Abakaliki while inspecting the ongoing medical virology centre being constructed by the state government.

According to him, the money will be used to make the virology centre functional within three weeks in line with the deadline given to the Committee on Lassa Fever.

“The State Executive Council has approved the procurement of four ambulances and four dialysis machines to be stationed at designated hospitals in the three senatorial zones and Abakaliki.

“The facilities will help in the fight against Lassa fever as an emergency building or caravan will also be constructed.

“We should not allow any suspected Lassa fever patient to be treated at general hospitals or primary health centres to check further spread of the disease.

“Identified patients with the disease will be adequately isolated while advocacy campaign will be intensified to spread the message on the disease,’’ he said.