Lassa Fever: Ministry Begins Operation Kill All Rats Campaign

The Rivers State Ministry of Environment in conjunction with the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has commenced “the Operation Kill All Rats.”
The campaign, according to the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Charles George is to check the spread of the Lassa fever virus which is believed to be transmitted by rats in the state.
Speaking during a sensitisation programme to some markets in Port Harcourt, George said Operation Kill All Rats around living environments will not only stop Lassa fever but prevent all diseases associated with rats.
The Acting Permanent Secretary specifically called on traders and other residents of the state to keep their environment clean, but all overgrown grasses and clear bushes within their living environment as well as sanitarily dispose of all refuse.
He also called on them to always cover all food stuff including garri, rice, beans and others, washing all plates and utensils before and after use, should become a habit in the state.
George also called on residents of the state to screen all doors and windows, block all crevices and holes properly as well as ensure regular washing of hands with sanitisers.
Also speaking, the Director Environmental Health and Safety Mr Chimezie Georgewill said dead rats must be properly disposed off by either burning or burying them.
He also stressed the need for residents of the state to avoid contacts with dead rats and infected persons.
Markets visited include: New layout and Garri markets all in the old Port Harcourt Township and the slaughter market in Trans Amadi Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, chairman of National Butchers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State, Alhaji Baba Ahmed has welcomed the “Operation kill All Rats” campaign.
Speaking at the sensitisation programme at the Trans Amadi slaughter market, Alhaji Ahmed said the outbreak of the Lassa fever virus is capable of scaring away meat buyers from the market.
He said the association has also embarked on the campaign to ensure that no rodent is seen around the market.
Also speaking chairman of New layout market management committee, Mr Tammy Kuleo said the campaign is a welcome development.
He said both the market committee and traders will work with the ministry to ensure that no rat is allowed to live in the area.