CurrentReport Blog In a recent development, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services in Taraba State, Zirra Mathias Bubanani, has officially announced an outbreak of Lassa Fever. This revelation comes after a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, stationed at the Damare orientation camp, tested positive for the virus. The confirmation follows an extensive investigation conducted by the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in Abuja, prompted by symptoms resembling those of Lassa Fever exhibited by the affected individual at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola.
In response to the outbreak, the state government has issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Chief among these precautions is the promotion of good hygiene and sanitation practices. Residents are encouraged to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and ensure proper disposal of waste to deter the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors.
Furthermore, residents are advised to minimize unnecessary contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or individuals displaying symptoms of the virus. Proper storage of food items is emphasized as a crucial preventive measure to curb rat infestation, which is known to be a common mode of Lassa Fever transmission. The state government underscores the importance of promptly discarding leftover food and securing food storage areas to mitigate the risk of exposure to infected rodents.
To combat the spread of the disease effectively, community awareness campaigns will be intensified to educate the public about the symptoms of Lassa Fever and the necessary steps to take if they suspect infection. Early detection and prompt medical intervention are crucial in managing the disease and preventing its escalation within the community.
