FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL LASSA FEVER SPREAD- Minister

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole
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The Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole has
called on Nigerians not to panic as a result of the
reported cases of Lassa fever as the government
has put up adequate measures to contain it.
Lassa fever which broke out in the last six weeks
has killed 35 people so far and has affected seven
states Bauchi, Kano, Taraba, Oyo, Nasarawa,
Niger and Rivers.
A statement by the spokesperson of the ministry,
Mrs Boade Akinola, said the minister appealed to
the public to watch out for the following
symptoms - weakness, headaches, slight fever,
sore throat, vomiting, rashes, tremors and
restlessness among others.
He advised that once such symptoms are noticed,
affected individuals should report immediately to
the nearest health facility
The minister also urged the public to prevent the
spread of lassa fever by not spreading foods
along the road, keeping food in tightly sealed
containers, wearing protective clothing such as
masks, gloves, gowns and goggles when caring
for patients with lassa fever , and avoiding
contact with lassa fever patients secretions.
So far a total of 76 suspected cases have been
reported, out of which 14 positive confirmed
cases have been recorded.
The federal government has also directed the
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to
coordinate response to the outbreak, and provide
support to the affected states in order to fight
and prevent the spread of the outbreak.
The minister said government has also trained
and sensitized clinicians, lab scientist and other
health workers on viral hemorrhagic fevers and
emergency medicine, as well provided specific
drugs and injection for its treatment to the states’
ministries of health.