Lassa Fever Outbreak In Ondo: Osun Places Health Institutions, Workers On Alert

Osun state government said it has adopted proactive measures against the outbreak of Lassa fever in the country by placing health institutions and workers on alert.

These measures became necessary following the outbreak of Lassa haemorrhagic fever in neighbouring state (Ondo).

Dr Olasiji Olamiju, the Special Adviser on Public Health to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known in Osogbo on Tueday in a statement made available to AMILOADED.

Olamiju assured that these necessary measures would curtail the spread of the viral infection in the state.

He said: “The outbreak has caused panic in Ondo, with many residents in fear that the disease might spread from the northern part of the state, where it breaks out, to other parts, hence the need for this awareness campaign to sensitize our people to imbibe healthy practices.”

He added that all health institutions and workers had been placed on high alert against spread of the virus while enlightenment campaigns had been intensified.

“Our Primary Healthcare centres’ indices of suspicion has been increased and thanks to our Governor, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, he had revitalized 332 PHCs across the state, while we are sensitising our health workforce and building their capacity to know how to promptly handle diseases when they occur. Also, all secondary and tertiary health facilities are equally combat ready to curtail the spread.”

He called on the people to remain alert, especially reporting of suspected outbreak and symptoms such as high fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, and later bleedings from the mouth or other body orifices to the appropriate nearby health facilities.

He warned households against poor display and disposal of food remnants as well as ensure hygienic kitchen and clean utensils.

“The disease had been spread by rats as a result of poor hygienic practices in the affected states and it is relevant for residents to pay more attention to personal hygiene and environmental sanitation,” he said.