As part of measures to protect Ekiti State’s residents from the outbreak of lassa fever, the state government has held a critical awareness meeting with stakeholders in health sector across the state.
The commissioner for Health and human services in Ekiti State Dr (Mrs) Mojisola Yahaya Kolade stated this in Ado Ekiti while addressing journalists on the preparedness of the State in fighting Lassa Fever which had reportedly hit neighbouring Ondo state recently.
Dr. Yahaya-Kolade noted that all primary health felicities, Specialist and general hospitals , university Teaching Hospital as well as the Federal Teaching Hospital across the state have been alerted on the issue of Lassa Fever.
The commissioner disclosed that Lassa Fever which she noted was contagious could be contacted through rat or contact from someone who has been infected.
“The transmission could be through rat which is the original carrier or through human to human”. She said.
Dr. Yahaya-Kolade appealed to Ekiti residents to make personal hygiene their lifestyle adding that they should engage in hand washing periodically, ensuring that they cover their cassava flower, (garri) and other food properly.
“Cover your garri very well, ensure that the production process is done hygienically, clean your environment to avoid breeding of rats, be cautious of contact with dead you don’t know its cause” . The commissioner cautioned.
She said that arrangement was in top gear at Oba Adejuyigbe General hospital to create a quarantine center for any suspect of Lassa Fever in Ekiti state.
She noted that there was no single Case recorded or reported in the state as at the time of the interview but that the state was fully prepared for any case of the Fever.
The state commissioner for health noted that the symptoms of Lassa Fever include malaria, headache, vomiting itching of the body.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
