The Lagos State commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi has confirmed a reported case of the Lassa Haemorrhagic fever at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
The commissioner, who noted that the situation is under control assured residents of the state that the state government was working with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to control the spread in the state.
“The Ministry of Health through Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health Directorate is currently carrying out ‘contact tracing’ to determine those who may have been infected in line with international standards while we beef up our other surveillance strategies.” He said.
The Commissioner also stressed the need for citizens of the state to maintain personal hygiene and sanitation at all times in contributing to the prevention of further spread of the disease in the state.
Abayomi advised members of the public to ensure proper waste disposal through the use of dustbins with tight fitting covers to avoid rodent infestations. He also cautioned that food items be stored in rodent proof containers.
“Members of the public are further advised to avoid contact with rats, to always cover their food and water properly, cook all their food thoroughly, as well as block all holes in the septic tanks and holes through which rats can enter the house and clear rat hideouts within the premises.
“Isolation wards have been prepared to manage suspected and confirmed cases, drugs and other materials have also been prepositioned at designated facilities while health workers have been placed on red alert and community sensitisation activities intensified,” Abayomi said.
Addressing health workers, the Commissioner also advised that universal safety precautions and infection prevention and control measures involving the use of protective equipment when dealing with patients should be complied with.
