The Plateau Ministry of Health recently organized a sensitization workshop for the people on ways to prevent and curb the spread of Lassa fever.
Its Permanent Secretary, Mr. Jacob Wangdem, told the Newsmen in Jos that, workshops are being carried out across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state by the Disease Control Surveillance Department of the ministry.
“The sensitization became necessary because we conducted a research and found that the disease is usually reported between November and March.
“We have engaged specialists who are sensitizing the populace on how the disease is transmitted, its symptoms, and how it can be prevented,’’ he explained.
According to Wangdem, the disease is transmitted by multi-mammalian gland rats (bush rats) which are reservoirs of the disease as the Lassa virus stay in them.
“These rats are mainly found in the bush, but during the dry season, farmers indulge in the act of bush burning which makes the rats leave their natural habitation in search of safety. That takes them to the houses.
“The Lassa virus is transmitted to humans when the saliva, urine and excreta of the bush rat come in contact with humans, their food and water.
“The fever comes with bleeding and that is why it is sometimes referred to as hemorrhagic fever. Bleeding could be from the nose, gums and in urine.
“Asides bleeding, people should watch out for the general symptoms of ill-health like headaches and fever,’’ he said, adding however, that the disease had similar symptoms with malaria.
He advised that proper tests should be conducted to ensure that the patient is adequately treated.
Wangdem advised people to instill the act of covering their food and water properly, adding that the importance of clean environment could not be over-emphasized.
He said, “people should ensure that they have clean and less clustered surroundings so as to keep the rats away; again, before you take soft drink, ensure you wash the surface of the can, because such cans are prone to dirt during storage processes.’’ (NAN)
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