Lassa Fever: Kogi Moves to Contain Outbreak in 9 Communities
The Kogi State government in North-Central Nigeria has moved to curtail the spread of the lassa fever disease, following the confirmation of the out break of lassa fever in 9 local government areas of the State.
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This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Alonge Daniel, which was made available to journalists in Lokoja on Thursday.
It also stated that nine local government areas namely: Idah, Ibaji, Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Okene, Okehi, Kabba- and Adavi had reported at least one confirmed case during the period.
The statement explained that Kogi State is one of the 23 States in Nigeria that has recorded at least one positive case of lassa fever.
“The State Ministry of Health has responded appropriately and timely to the epidemic as a result of the high political will demonstrated by the Executive Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, by timely release of funds to curb the outbreak.
“The ministry is collaborating with other line ministries (Ministry of Environment and Ministry Agriculture) and Partners to curtail the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease,” he said.
Alonge pointed that the State Ministry of Health has carried out community sensitization activities in local government areas affected by the outbreak, noting that this will enable him to adopt healthy lifestyle by keeping their environment clean, maintain high standard of personal hygiene and prevent rats from having access to their food stuff both at home and in market place.
“They have been sensitized to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility for prompt attention.
“Radio jingles on Lassa fever preventive measures, signs and symptoms are ongoing on Radio Kogi in English and major local languages in the State through the booster stations.
“The health workers in our primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions have been adequately sensitized to have high index of suspicion for early diagnosis and ‘treatment. Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers from the State Ministry of Health and local governments are following up the situation for early case
detection and timely reporting.
“The State-Ministry of Health is also supporting confirmed Lassa fever patients with funds to aid their treatment at lrrua.
“The efforts of the State Govemment is yielding positive result as the outbreak is going down-based on our data. Currently there are two active cases in stable condition receiving treatment at lrrua Specialist Teaching Hospital while 32 cases have been treated and discharged.
“We appeal to our citizens to avoid acts that could favour further spread of the disease in the state ,while-government will continue to do everything possible to curb the outbreak and prevent further spread,” the permanent secretary said.
MTO/Punch
