C'River to embark on Lassa fever awareness campaign, as disease flutters in neighbouring Ebonyi State

By Ofem, Jesam

Cross River State Government is to embark on an intensive campaign against Lassa fever following its outbreak in neighbouring Ebonyi State.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, made this known during a recent media roundtable held in the Conference Centre of Ministry of Health.

Dr. Edu also hinted that the government has put in place prevention measures to quell any impending outbreak of the disease with ruthless efficiency. 

The Health Commissioner, who quipped that burning of bushes dislodge rats from their hideout to the homes especially in the villages, appealed to Cross Riverians to desist from such practices.

"Rats are the primary vectors of the disease (Lassa fever) and the state government is going to carry out a vigorous enlightenment through town criers in villages, mass media, workshops, seminars and any other means that this message can get to our people,"  Dr. Edu further stated.

She pointed out that symptoms of Lassa fever which are in phases; with the first phase being fatigue, general weakness and fever.

Dr. Edu added that the second phase comes with headache, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea, while  phase three brings face swelling, low blood pressure and nose bleeding.

The Commissioner charged all experiencing such symptoms to locate a nearby primary health care centre for treatment.

The following preventions were listed by Commissioner of Health; avoid contact between rats and human beings, block all rats hideouts, store foodstuffs in rodent proof containers, cook all foods thoroughly and always wash hands after contact with a sick person.

Betta Edu further stated that clean environment is an antibiotic to send rat away from coming to your home and she plead for all Cross Riverians to keep their environment clean and green.

In the same vain Betta added that we are going to register one million Crossriverians into Ayade Care and who so ever that registered unto ten persons a month is qualified for a raffle ticket  to win the sum of one million naira and in 12 months we will be making 12 persons millionaires in Cross River.