We’re Ready To Tackle Lassa Fever –Banigo

Sequel to reports on the outbreak of Lassa fever in some states of the federation, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has reiterated government’s readiness to tackle any outbreak in the state. In a statement in Government House, Port Harcourt, Banigo said government has provided all the needed support for the state Ministry of Health to contain any possible occurrence.
Describing the vector of the Lassa fever virus as a multimammate rat, which is attracted to filthy environments, the deputy governor, who is also a public health physicia advised members of the public to beef up their personal hygiene.
The deputy governor, who noted tha Lassa fever has similar symptoms with other diseases, said all febrile illnesses must be reported to the nearest government health facility and cautioned against self medication.
“In times like this, having a high index of suspicion is key because it is better to err on the side of caution than to be caught napping”, she said.
Banigo stated that Rivers State, as the hub of the hydrocarbon industry with two sea ports and an international airport, has a highly mobile population, adding that there is a possibility of travellers bringing in the virus and stressed the need for caution and vigilance.
She, however, reassured the people not to entertain any fears maintaining that the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration’s commitment to the improved health of the people was total.
On his part, the Director, Public Health, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Nnana Victor Onyekwere, who spoke to The Tide revealed that the state has a routine mechanism of tackling Lassa fever cases explaining that there are reports on a regular basis from private clinics which are being followed up for confirmation, contact tracing, 21 days follow up and treatment if the case(s) is confirmed positive adding that there is an on-going health education / Sensitisation on the disease across the state.
On the reoccurring nature of the disease, Onyekwere explained that Lassa fever unlike other diseases like the Ebola is within the nation.
He said “The Ebola and other recent epidemics are from outside of the country but Lassa-fever is within as revealed by the name and its reservoirs are rats. Because these rats are there with us, the disease is reoccurring and unfortunately, we can not know the infected as they enter our houses. Moreso, about 20 percent of the disease go unnoticed because the body system could contain with about 20 percent also being noticed.
Even though the initial outbreak of the disease was associated with the dry season and burning of bushes, the Director opined that the present rainy season could be responsible for the reoccurrence as the rats could no longer contain with the witness of the bushes thereby finding succour in homes.

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