Maintain clean environment to check spread of Lassa fever, ruler urges residents
NAN-H-56
Lassa
By Awayi Kuje
Akun (Nasarawa State), Jan.19, 2017 (NAN) Mr Peter Angbazo, District Head of Wakama in Nasarawa State, has advised people of the area to keep their environment clean to avoid contracting Lassa fever virus.
Angbazo made the appeal on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in his palace in Wakama.
He said that the call has become necessary considering the number of deaths and those infected by the virus in the state.
“Our role is not only to preach and ensure peace, but also to advise our subjects on the need to adhere strictly to hygiene in the interest of their health.
“We heard of reported cases of deaths from Lassa fever in the state, hence the need for the appeal.
“Lassa fever can be transmitted through contact with infected persons or through infected rat excreta or urine on floors, food, water and where rats are caught and consumed as food.
“It is in view of this, I want to appeal to Nigerians to keep food in rat proof containers in the interest of our health and the health of our nation,” he said.
He reiterated that personal hygiene would help in preventing diseases.
NAN recalls that on Jan. 16, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Daniel Iya, confirmed death of four people out of 16 cases of Lassa fever reported in the state. (NAN)
AKW/JI/OU
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Editing by Joseph Idika/Obike Ukoh
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