winifred bosa

With the confirmation of 19 Lassa fever cases so far in seven states namely; Ogun, Taraba, Nasarawa, Edo, Ondo, Rivers and Plateau states ,  the federal government through the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), has called on Nigerians to maintain high food and personal hygiene.

NCDC advised Nigerians to keep their foods from rats and other house rodents and urged that suspected Lassa cases be quickly reported to ensure that treatment commences on time.

NCDC also reminded  healthcare workers that they are at a higher risk of contracting Lassa so they have  to ensure strict infection prevention and control practices at points of care.

“All febrile illnesses must be tested for malaria before treatment; tests that return negative for malaria may be Lassa fever and must flag suspicion.

“We encourage frontline health workers to report all suspected cases of Lassa to their Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers and/or State Epidemiologists.” said NCDC.