Lassa Fever: `Kill All Rats` Rivers State Government Declares

Government of Rivers State has declared an emergency on Lassa fever. It is tagged ‘Operation kill all Rats’. Five persons and a medical doctor have died of the virus.

The Ministry of Environment declared the emergency to create awareness on the disease and the need to keep rats off homes and environments. Commissioner of Health Dr. Theophillus Odagme, said its sister ministry is undertaking the step to consolidate on the efforts of the Health ministry in the fight against Lassa. Odagme said the three suspected cases, which were admitted to the Port Johnson Borokri treatment centre, including a nursing mother and her baby (index case), tested negative and have been discharged.

He noted that over 400 persons have been placed under watch following the deaths but none has tested

positive, even as he was optimistic that if residents keep to the rules, the state might be cleared next month.
“Last week, three persons were admitted into one of the treatment centres. Two of the patients were referred from private clinics; one is related to a late victim, while the other came from a public hospital.
“Samples were taken for analysis, but the results came out negative. They were stabilised and discharged for proper treatment of their cases.

“As at the last count, 403 persons were being monitored but the first set of 60 placed under watch following the index case, have been discharged after completing the 21 days virus incubation period without manifesting any symptom.
“The contact tracing teams (13 teams) are still on, meeting and monitoring them every day. There is a massive sensitisation going on in markets, churches and mosques to educate residents on the need to improve their personal hygiene and clean their surroundings as preventive measures.
One person has died of the disease in Ebonyi State. Governor Dave Umahi confirmed the death yesterday in Abakaliki at a town hall meeting.

He said the deceased, a student, whose identity could not be ascertained, died on Monday.
The governor directed that residents close to the vicinity of the deceased should be monitored and urged the people to seek proper medical attention should they suspect anything.
“It may be Lassa fever and if it is detected early, it can be treated than when it reaches an advanced stage when it may be difficult to save the victim.”

Umahi thanked the Federal Government for donating virology equipment to fight the disease, which he said were being installed and will be put to use soon.
1.7 million people in Ekiti State practice open defecation, the European Union (EU) Senior Expert on Sanitation, Tope Babalobi, has said. He spoke yesterday during a breakfast programme on the Ekiti Television (EKTV), Daybreak Nigeria.

Babalobi, who is also the National Chairman of Water and Sanitation Network, urged the people to maintain a clean environment to avoid falling victim of Lassa fever.
He noted that proper sanitation and good hygienic practices would keep rats and rodents, believed to be vectors of Lassa fever, at bay.
“Rodents and rats have no business coming to your house if it is clean. Eateries, restaurants, schools, shops, markets must prioritize sanitation.