Emir of Pataskum, Yobe state, Alhaji Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya has called on the public to keep domestic cats in their houses so as to chase away rats and lizards in their homes.
The emir made the disclosure to the committee headed by Commissioner of Home Affairs, Information and Culture in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, while on sensitisation of the public on the dangers of Lassa fever virus.
According to the royal father, Lassa fever virus is connected with rats, therefore keeping cats in homes will definitely help.
“When I first occupied this palace, it was full of rats and lizards everywhere but my wife advised me to keep domestic cats in the house. Presently, if you see rats or lizards in this palace, they are coming from the neighbouring houses” he said.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Abdullahi Bego said, they were going round the 17 local government councils of the state to sensitise the public.
“Yobe state is yet to record any outbreak of the disease after its resurgence two months ago but has put in place some measures in case of any eventuality. We are sensitising the public on the dangers of Lassa fever virus and how to keep their environment clean to be free from any outbreak of disease”.
The committee members were divided into three groups with each to visit of the 3 senatorial zones of the state including the emirate councils of the state.
Some of the traditional rulers advised to government to re-introduce environmental health inspectors across the state to check mate disease outbreaks.
