The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has come out to issue a Lassa fever Public health advisory to Nigerians.

NCDC recently revealed this via its Director-General, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, people of all age groups who come in contact with the urine, faeces, saliva or blood of rats are at risk of getting Lassa fever, so citizens should be more careful.

He added that people living in rat-infested environments should also be cautious, as it increases their chances of contracting the serious sickness.

His words, “Cover your dustbins and dispose of 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 foodstuff outside on the floor, roadside where it will be exposed to contamination. Avoid bush burning which can lead to the 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 sanitisers 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.”

“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.”