Director of Public Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Dr Okechuku Josephine has said that early treatment with Oral Ribavirin is highly recommended for treatment of Lassa fever.
She stated this Tuesday during the flag off of Lassa fever and Corona virus infection campaign in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
She said Lassa fever is an epidemic prone zone disease which was first reported in community of Borno state of Nigeria when two missionary nurses died from an unusual febrile illness.
She said in 2019, National Centre for Disease Control reported 833 confirmed cases and 174 deaths (CFR 20.9%).
She said that, in FCT, from 1st to 26th January 2020, a total of 8 suspected cases were reported from two area councils, but none was confirmed to have Lassa fever virus.
The chairman Gwagwalada area council, Alhaji Adamu Mustapha Dange appealed to Gwagwalada residents to always ensure proper environmental sanitation, by keeping their environment clean.
He further stated that people should avoid bush burning which can lead to displacement of rats from bushes to human dwellings.
The director, public health, Gwagwalada area council, Dr Adeyemi Adeniran, advised the public to desist from eating infected bush rats or eating food contaminated with the rat excreta/urine deposition on surfaces such as floors, bed, household utensils or in food and water (e.g. grains spread out to dry along the roads by farmers).
Chairman, Gwagwalada main market, Alhaji Nura Rimi who spoke through his secretary general, Mr Ikechukwu Nwaobilo, said his members would soon be given orientation and sensitisation on the danger of the disease.
