The Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, has warned residents to stop drinking ‘raw garri’ as three persons were confirmed dead in the state as a result of Lassa fever.
The killer disease is rapidly spreading across many parts of the country.
Seven cases of Lassa fever patients were also confirmed in the state.
Mr. Okorocha, who gave the confirmation in a statement, his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, advised indigenes of the state to stop drinking raw garri (cassava flakes) as well as avoid crowded areas.
“This is not the period for people to drink raw garri because you know garri is not cooked and people just pour water on garri and drink and when rat has urinated on the garri. So people are advised as much as possible to ensure that their food is properly cooked,” the governor said.
He said the cases were recorded in some hospitals, “somewhere in Orlu and some other parts of the State.”
The first Lassa fever case this year was confirmed in Ebonyi state more than a week ago.
Four people including three health workers died from the infection in the state.
The disease have further spread to Kogi, Ondo and some other parts of the country leaving death tolls.
