From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia
Nasarawa State Commissioner of Health Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya has said that the state recorded one (1) case of Lassa Fever on Sunday in Mararaba Gurku in Karu Local Government Council of the state.
The commissioner who made the disclosure in an interview with news men in his office Lafia Monday adding that already proactive measure by the Nasarawa state government has been instituted across Tertiary and secondary health care facilities centres, aimed at averting possible spread of the disease in the state.
According to him “we are aware of the outbreak of Lassa Fever in some State in the country. Already the State Ministry of health is fully prepared for any emergency. All the necessary gadgets and drugs are on ground. We have trained personnel who are already deployed to designated health facilities across the state in order combat any incident. Though, the one case of Mararaba Gurku was diagnosed in Abuja. But at the moment the victim is fast undergoing treatment.
He continued “The State Ministry is collaborating with National Centre of Disease Control NCDC for support towards preventing its spread in the state. We are also collaborating with the media by creating awareness on outbreak and prevention. We also are working hand in hand with the traditional institution in the state so that they can create awareness to their subjects on the danger of Lassa Fever.
“Right ahead of time, we have ensured that Dalhatu specialist hospital as our major center is well stock with the necessary drugs and kits are properly deployed as well as other secondary health facilities in the state” He maintained.
The commissioner further called on people to maintained hygienic culture by avoiding eating rats, food items that may likely be in contact with rats as well as avoid drying of food items on the major highways or places accessible to rats this as according to him “wash your hands regularly, food items should be kept in clean environment, and avoid bush burning.
