By Deborah Hassan
The Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, has warned Nigerians to be cautious of a high risk of Lassa fever infection.
In a Lassa fever public health advisory issued by the agency, the DG warned that people of all age groups who come in contact with the urine, faeces, saliva or blood of rats were at risk of getting Lassa fever.
He also warned that people living in rat infested environments had an increased chance of coming in contact with rats, alongside people who consume potentially contaminated food stuff, especially those left open over-night or dried outside in the open.
Going further, the statement added that people who handle or process rodents for consumption and those who do not perform hand hygiene when appropriate were among the risk group.
Ihekweazu advised Nigerians to ensure proper environmental sanitation, keep their environment clean at all times and block all holes in homes to prevent rats from entry.
“Cover your dustbins and dispose refuse properly. Communities should setup dump sites very far from their homes to reduce the chances of having rodents within homes.
“Store foodstuff like rice, garri, beans, corn/maize etc. containers which are well covered with tight fitting lids.
”Avoid drying food stuff outside on the floor, roadside where it will be exposed to contamination. Avoid bush burning which can lead to displacement of rats from bushes to human dwellings.
“Eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps and other means. Practice good personal hygiene by frequent washing hands with soap under running water /or use of hand sanitizers when appropriate.
”Visit the nearest health facility if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever as mentioned earlier, avoid self-medication,” he advised.
Similarly, the NCDC boss advised healthcare workers to practice standard precautions at all times by wearing gloves while handling patients or providing care to an ill patient and relative.
He further cautioned them to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever by being vigilant for signs and symptoms of the disease.
“Any febrile illness that has not responded to 48 hours use of anti-malaria or antibiotics should raise an index of suspicion for Lassa fever.
”Relatives who care for sick persons with unexplained illnesses at home, including: doctors, nurses and other health workers providing direct patient care in the absence of standard precautions must be cautious.
“To reduce the risk of Lassa fever, the hospital staff must clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, materials and supplies with adequate protective gear,” he said.