Lassa Fever Confirmed In Lagos State

Lagos State Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi, on Wednesday, stated confirmed the presence of Lassa fever in the state, adding that the infected person is currently at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, residing in isolation.

He assures residents of the state that the situation is being effectively contained, asking Lagosians to not panic.

“The Ministry of Health through Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health Directorate is currently carrying out ‘contact tracing’ to determine those who may have been infected in line with international standards while we beef up our other surveillance strategies,” he said.

He added, “Members of the public are further advised to avoid contact with rats, to always cover their food and water properly, cook all their food thoroughly, as well as block all holes in the septic tanks and holes through which rats can enter the house and clear rat hideouts within the premises.

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“Isolation wards have been prepared to manage suspected and confirmed cases, drugs and other materials have also been prepositioned at designated facilities while health workers have been placed on red alert and community sensitisation activities intensified.

“Hands must be washed often with soap and running water or application of hand sanitizers after each contact with patients or contaminated materials and instruments must be autoclaved. Also, hospital mattresses must be covered with plastic sheets to prevent contamination."