OGSG STEPS UP MEASURES TO PREVENT LASSA FEVER SAYS HEALTH COMMISSIONER

The Ogun State Ministry of Health says it has taken necessary steps towards preventing the spread of the deadly Lassa fever with Community initiative efforts following the discovery of the 20 year old boy affected with the virus in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye who stated this while briefing journalists after the State Executive council meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Chief Yetunde Onanuga, said they have involved community stakeholders in other to have personal interaction with people on the need to have personal hygiene.

The Commissioner explained that Medical Officers have been contacted to start with Community Level Mass mobilizatoon through various Local Government Information Officers who will take up the challenge of Educating members of the Public particularly on personal hygiene, Environmental  hygiene and the need to keep food items safe.

Dr Ipaye also made it known that surveillance system has been stepped up and the LDRS officers from the 20 Local Government and 37 LCDAS have been asked to notify the Ministry if there is any case of fever that has been treated for more than 3 days and is not subsiding.

He noted that the case of the 20 year old boy is the only case in the state as his primary contacts numbering up to 106 have been identified, quarentined and are under observation for 21 days which is the longest incubation period of Lassa, adding that thermometers have been given to them to monitor their temperature twice daily.

The Commissioner further stated that the boy is fast recuperating as his temperature is going down while the State Hospital Ijaye and the hospital where he got renal dialysis done have been decontaminated to prevent further spread.

Dr Ipaye however charged the people to keep their food items safe, make sure dirts are disposed properly, wash hands properly and ensure food are not dried outside to prevent rats from coming in contact with the food and thereby transmit the virus to man.

He also appealed to the health officers to be mindful of universal precaution by treating every case with caution, wear the necessary protective devices so as not to infect themselves and others.