By Ayoni M. Agbabiaka
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Health and Human Services Secretariat, has released some useful tips on how to effectively prevent the spread of Lassa fever, which has unfortunately claimed the life of its carrier who was on a visit to the territory.
It said “this proactive step has become necessary in order to curtail the unfortunate incident, which led to the death of the victim thereby saving the territory from any epidemic.”
The Administration urged the residents not to spread foods to dry along the road as well as keeping the houses and surroundings clean by blocking all holes around the houses, clearing all bushes and disposing refuse in covered dust bins.
It also advised the residents to discard all foods partly eaten by rats and to seal tightly, all animal foods in metal containers.
It also urged the residents to cover all food and water properly and encourage them to set traps in and around the house to reduce rat populations, advising that infected patients should be isolated from contact with unprotected persons until the disease run its course.
Apart from avoiding contact with Lassa fever patients’ secretion, according to him, residents should wear protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles when caring for patients with Lassa fever.
it said following the confirmation of the disease in some states, the Health & Human Services Secretariat embarked on measures aimed at preventing its spread in the territory.
Meanwhile, the FCT Disease Control and Disease Surveillance, as well as Notification Officers in the six Area Councils, are on high alert as they have stepped up disease surveillance activities within their various localities, especially at the border communities.
The Heads of Health Departments in the Area Councils have already been directed to step up sensitisation in the communities – markets, motor parks, churches and mosques; while the distribution of fliers was ongoing.
