By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has urged Nigerians to always keep their environment clean to guard against Lassa fever.
Speaking on Monday while giving update to journalists in Abuja, the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris said Nigerians need to ensure cleanliness of their homes, markets, dump sites to reduce breeding grounds for rats.
He also said that holes should be blocked in all houses to prevent the entry of rats and other rodents.
“Cover your dustbins and dispose of refuse or waste properly. Communities should set up dump sites far from their homes to reduce the chances of the entry of rodents into their homes.
“Safely store food items such as rice, garri, beans, corn/maize, etc., in tightly sealed or well-covered containers. And avoid open drying of food stuff. Properly process or prepare rats (bushmeat) before consumption.
“People should avoid drying food stuff outside on the ground or roadside, where it is at risk of contamination. Discourage bush burning and Deforestation as these can destroy the homes and food sources of rodents, drivingthem to migrate from the bushes to human residences to find food.
“Eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps and other appropriate and safe means.
“Practice good personal and hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap under running water or using hand sanitizers when necessary.
He also warned people to avoid overcrowded living areas, saying overcrowding leads to poor sanitation.
“Avoid self-medication to ensure proper diagnosis and early treatment. Visit the nearest health facility if you notice any of the signs and symptoms associated with Lassa fever mentioned earlier or call the State Ministry of Health hotline and 6232 (NCDC). This is essential because early identification and treatment of cases are more effective and can save lives.”
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