Kogi To Contain Lassa Fever Outbreak In 9 Communities

The Kogi State government in North-Central Nigeria has moved to curtail the spread of the Lassa fever disease, following the confirmation of the out break of Lassa fever in 9 local government areas of the State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Alonge Daniel, which was made available to journalists in Lokoja on Thursday.

It also stated that nine local government areas namely: Idah, Ibaji, Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Okene, Okehi, Kabba- and Adavi had reported at least one confirmed case during the period.

The statement explained that Kogi State is one of the 23 States in Nigeria that has recorded at least one positive case of Lassa fever.

“The State Ministry of Health has responded appropriately and timely to the epidemic as a result of the high political will demonstrated by the Executive Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, by timely release of funds to curb the outbreak.

Alonge pointed that the State Ministry of Health has carried out community sensitization activities in local government areas affected by the outbreak, noting that this will enable him to adopt healthy lifestyle by keeping their environment clean, maintain high standard of personal hygiene and prevent rats from having access to their food stuff both at home and in market place.