Cross River State to take stringent action against Lassa Fever following outbreak in Neighboring State - Dr. Edu

Honorable commissioner for Health Dr. Betta Edu speaking with vigor during the media roundtable discussion

The Cross River State Government is set to embark on intensive campaign against Lassa fever following the recent outbreak of the epidermic Ebonyi State.

The Honorable commissioner for health Dr. Betta Edu disclosed to the media in a roundtable briefing held in the Conference hall of the Ministry of Health.

The commissioner also reiterated that the government has put in place preventive measures to control impending outbreak of the disease with rigor and intolerance.

Dr. Betta advised that burning of bushes dislodges rats from their hideout to homes especially in the villages, appealed to Cross Riverians to desist from such practices.

"Rats are the primary causal of the epidermic (Lassa fever) and the state government is going to carry out a stringent awareness campaign through town criers in villages, mass media, workshops, seminars and any other means that this message can get to the last person in Cross River State," Dr. Edu further opined.
She pointed out that symptoms of Lassa fever which are in phases; with the first phase being fatigue, nausea, general weakness and fever.

Dr. Edu added that the second phase comes with headache, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea, while phase three brings face swelling, low blood pressure and nose bleeding.

The Commissioner charged all experiencing such symptoms to locate a nearby primary health care centre for treatment.
She listed out some preventive measures as seen below; avoid contact between rats and human beings, block all rats hideouts, store foodstuffs in rodent proof containers, cook all foods thoroughly and always wash hands after contact with a sick person.

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Dr. Edu further stated that clean environment is an anti rat and will help keep them far away from coming to your home and she pleaded that all Cross Riverians keep their environment clean always.


Culled from detailingCrossRiver