WHO Calls for Awareness Campaign On Lassa Fever

The World Health Organisation (WHO), on Monday appealed to governments at all levels to begin extensive public awareness campaigns on Lassa fever across the country. The WHO Coordinator in Edo, Mrs. Faith Ire Hi made this known during a sensitisation campaign on Lassa fever in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state. Mrs Irehi noted that following following the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in Etsako West and other parts of the country, governments need to sensitise the public on the need to maintain good personal hygiene, especially in the rural areas. She said; “What we need to do is to ensure that our people are well informed as everyone needs to know what to do to prevent the disease from affecting them.’’Irehi said that people living in the rural areas were at greater risk of contracting the disease, especially those who lived where rats and rodents are often found. The WHO coordinator warned people against bush burning and spreading `garri’ outside, which is a common practice in rural areas. She also urged communities to improve on their hygiene level and protect their foods from the excreta and urine of rodents, particularly the `Natal Multimammate’ mouse. She admonished; “We can actually prevent this; People should stop the practices of bush burning and spreading `garri’ outside. They should cook their food well because the things that can cause Lassa fever include contact with the faeces, saliva and secretions from infected people or agents.’