As Nigeria battles with the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak months after the success over Ebola, the federal government has been advised to provide Lassa Rapid Test kits to detect the disease on the spot.
The Ondo State health commissioner, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju who gave the advice during the #OndoLassaUpdates tweet chat on efforts of the state at curtailing the disease, said the test kits would help reduce the waiting time and manpower always spent at Iruwa Specialist hospital.
Adeyanju emphasised the need for the federal government to extend support to all state’s not yet affected by the disease which he noted is a pro-active way to keep it at bay.
“The Federal Government should support all states of the federation and provide rapid diagnostic test kits for screening while support must be extend to all the state’s, and not just the 10 states including ondo presently affected by the disease,” Adeyanju said.
He noted that Ondo as has begun activated its outbreak control mechanism and surveillance mechanism at the grassroot in addition to sensitisation across the 18 council area.
The health commissioner, said state’s having successfully curtailed Lassa in the state to the 2 recorded cases, is not taking any chances that might lead to any incursion of the disease.
“At present, there are enough facilities including the general hospitals and our infectious diseases center to handle any eventuality,” the health commissioner maintained.
Adeyanju emphasised the need for sound personal and environmental hygiene, proper storage of food, especially grains as well as kicked against sun drying of food which make them susceptible to contacts with rodents.
“Everyone should be conscious of what they consume and how they consume to ensure an end to the spread. By obeying simple rules of hygiene and by keeping the rats away, keeping our well in rodent free,” he said.
He assured that Ondo State will continue to provide leadership for the country how best to ensure citizens live in good health through novel policies, programmes and initiatives.
