Destabilizing and often fatal, Lassa Fever is once again making headlines in Nigeria. Health authorities are mobilizing to stem the epidemic, taking radical measures to control the spread of this viral disease.
The Minister of Environment, Iziaq Salako, spoke at a press conference in Abuja, stressing the importance of preventive action to eradicate the disease. It was recommended to derat the affected facilities in order to reduce the population of rats, vectors of this dreaded disease.
Through a dedicated team, the Ministry has implemented interventions aimed at controlling the situation. In close collaboration with local authorities, a focus is placed on the massive extermination of establishments identified as at risk. Environmental health officers are mobilized to track rat infestations in communities, neighborhoods and public establishments, and report cases for rapid intervention.
Raising awareness plays a crucial role in the fight against Lassa Fever. In addition to field actions, an effort is being made to inform and educate the population on the preventive measures to take to limit the spread of the disease. The health authorities will issue rodent control certificates for establishments in accordance with the regulations put in place.
The annual recurrence of Lassa Fever remains a major concern, but changes are being made to better control the situation. The actions undertaken aim to drastically reduce the spread of the disease in Kaduna State and raise awareness among local communities on preventive measures to adopt.
In this period of health emergency, everyone’s cooperation is essential to contain the epidemic. The commitment of the authorities and the mobilization of the necessary human resources show a robust response to this threat.
Let us remain attentive and united in the fight against Lassa Fever, because everyone’s health is everyone’s business.