From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, ENUGU
Enugu State government yesterday issued healthcare workers and public advisory to ensure the prevention of Lassa Fever.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor George Ugwu issued the advisory in Enugu, while briefing journalists on the State of Lassa Fever Prevention Preparedness in the state.
Ugwu said Benue, a neighboring state, had reported 250 suspected cases, 45 confirmed cases and 10 deaths among healthcare workers recently.
He also said a recent situation report showed that more than six confirmed cases were recorded in Ebonyi, another neighbouring state.
According to him, “There is no confirmed case of Lassa fever in Enugu State, but due to shared borders with Benue and Ebonyi States, we are now on high alert and engaging our partners.”
On the advisory to healthcare facilities and workers, the commissioner said triaging of patients is mandatory at a designated point in health facilities.
“Patients with symptoms and signs of infectious diseases should be referred to facilities with the capacity to manage them.
“Facilities, especially tertiary facilities must provide a holding area for suspected cases and immediately alert the state through proper notification channel.
“Strictly follow Infection Prevention and Control, IPC, guidelines. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, when attending to suspected cases.
“Maintain a high index of suspicion for persistent fever not responding to malaria treatment. Ensure proper waste disposal and disinfection procedures,” he said.
Ugwu urged the general public to maintain a rodent-free environment, keep homes and surroundings always clean, block holes in walls and floors to prevent rats from entering, and clear bushes around houses.
According to him, the general public should store grains and other food items in tightly sealed containers and avoid drying food items by the roadside or in open spaces where rodents can contaminate them.
“Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water; use hand sanitisers where water is not available, as well as wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
“Do not handle or consume rats or other rodents as food, as well as avoid contact with the blood, urine, feces or body fluids of any sick person.
“Report immediately to the nearest health facility if you experience symptoms such as: persistent fever not responding to malaria treatment; headache and general weakness; vomiting or abdominal pain; bleeding from nose, mouth or other body openings.
“Early professional treatment in a health facility greatly increases chances of survival and avoid all forms of self-medication,” he said.
Ugwu urged media practitioners to only disseminate verified information from the health ministry and help promote accurate prevention messages.
It would be recalled that Nigeria had reported 1,469 suspected cases, 318 confirmed cases and over 70 deaths.
This outbreak of Lassa fever, a deadly disease caused by rodents, had been confirmed in several states including Taraba, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi and Ebonyi.
