There’s been reports of the first case of the Hemorrhagic Lassa fever. So far, there is a resurgence of the fever all over different states in the country. This is obvious from the 19 states reporting cases of Lassa fever.
Report of the fever was subsequently confirmed by The State Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi confirmed the reports of the fever. He said that the patient is in isolation at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital.
He also urges the residents of the states to remain calm as the situation is under control while acknowledging the situation. In further statements, he moved to assure the residents that there is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and the state government.
The partnership is to ensure maximum effort in the state to managing the spread of the disease.
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Effort of the Lagos State Government to control Lassa Fever
“ The Ministry of Health through Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health Directorate is currently carrying out ‘contact tracing’ to determine those who may have been infected in line with international standards while we beef up our other surveillance strategies,” he said.
The Health commissioner emphasized that all members of the public will need to maintain proper personal hygiene.
It is preventable with enough personal hygiene and good environmental sanitation at all times. Prevention remains the best measure against the spread of the diseases in the state.
In his observation, he said that the citizens have a huge role to play in control and spread of the disease. He said that everyone is responsible for preventing the spread of the disease. Prevention can be successful only if everyone maintains the highest standard of personal hygiene.
Residence should keep their environment clean
In addition to advising the residents of Lagos State, he said proper environmental sanitation. He urged them to keep refuse in sanitary refuse bags or dust bins with tight-fitting covers. This is to avoid rat and rodent infestation. Waste disposal must be at the correct sites. There must be no disposal into the drainage system, and storage of all food items in rodent-proof containers is a must.
He went on to advise residents to keep away from rats and are to cover all foods and water. Cook all meals adequately and block all holes rats can use to enter the house.
Prof Abayomi said that Isolation wards to manage cases are ready. They have also put in place materials at various facilities. Also, health workers are on red alert, and there is an increase in the intensity of community sensitization activities intensified,”
In his advice to health workers, he said that both private and public hospitals should take all necessary precautions against the disease. They should also comply with prevention and control measures when handling patients with the disease.
He emphasized using protective equipment such as goggles, facemasks, and gloves. Health personal should make use of this protective equipment at all times when attending the cases.
He added that Hands must be with running water and soap. Then the application of hand sanitizers. Health workers should apply sanitizers after contact with patients or contaminated material. Hospital mattresses must be covered with plastic sheets to prevent contamination.
He went on to say that anyone with a constant high fever which and response to treatments of malaria and typhoid fever should be a suspect of being with the disease.
