Over 14 persons have so far been confirmed dead from the dreaded Lassa fever in Edo state, according to Dr. Nosa Igbinigie, an official of the Edo State Public Health Department.
Dr. Igbinigie who spoke in Benin City when he visited the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe said that cases of Lassa Fever in the state cut across the eighteen local government areas.
He said: “As at February 18, 2022, 109 cases have been confirmed with 14 cases of death. Action needs to be taken in order to curb the menace. It is an endemic scourge that can be put to an end if the awareness is there.
“The people should engage in de-ratisation process. Rats should not be allowed access to the homes. Use specified repellants to ensure your homes are safe from rats. Foods and food stuffs should be well preserved and protected from the reach of rats.”
According to the medical doctor, the symptoms of Lassa Fever include but not limited to vomiting, bleeding from the nose and eyes among others.
Dr. Igbinigie appealed to the media to help spread the information in order to equip Edo people with adequate information on prevention and management of Lassa Fever.
