Nigerian state bans drinking of raw gari

desmond frimpong

January 25, 2018 11:55 AM

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike has warned people to stop drinking 'raw garri' as a result of Lassa fever

Following the renewed cases of Lassa fever in some parts of Nigerai, the Anambra state government has banned the drinking of Garri in order to prevent the contraction of the acute viral hemorrhagic illness.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike made this known while educating residents of the state on measures to prevent the disease at a press conference in Awka.

Garri is a popular Nigerian food made from cassava that can be eaten or drunk. If it is cooked thoroughly, the Lassa fever virus will die, but many Nigerians consume it raw.

According to World Health Organisation(WHO), the disease is transmitted to humans via food and objects contaminated with rodent urine or faeces.

Dr Joe Akabuike, said: “The garri you see spread along the highway while you’re travelling is very risky to consume, especially when you drink it.”

He added that much of this garri has been has been exposed to contamination.

desmond frimpong