Environmental health workers move to end lassa fever in Lagos state
As part of efforts towards reducing the spread of lassa fever in Nigeria, the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), Lagos chapter has said that it had killed over 4,400 rats in six markets in the state.
File photo of minister of health, Professor Isaac Adewole
Speaking with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, January 25, president of the association, Samuel Akingbehin noted that his association carried out the exercise at Onigongbo, Oshodi , Oke-Odo,Ikotun Idanwo, Ojuwoye and Mile 12 Markets under its de-rat market programme.
“The Lagos State professional health bodies have decided to tackle this Lassa fever because of its serious nature. As such, we have decided to take the fight to the markets, hospitals, schools and homes in the state.
READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: Nigerians React To The Spread Of Lassa Fever
“We know by inspection and evaluation that we have the rodents responsible for the disease in markets, schools, hospitals and homes. This is a serious problem and the professional bodies have decided to target all these places.”
“The exercise is strategic in our effort toward the prevention of communicable diseases. We also decided to put the exercise in the evening due to the nocturnal nature of rodents and our members had recorded successes in the markets visited till date.”
“It took us about three hours to cover the Oshodi market when our members went there for the exercise. Today, Monday, we will be visiting Suru-Alaba Market in Orile-Ifelodun LCDA by 5 p.m. with about 400 EHOs to de-rat it. We are still calling on all other executive secretaries of the local government areas to assist us toward the elimination of rodents in our markets and our environments,” he added.
READ ALSO: Lassa Fever Patient Escapes From Hospital
Akingbehin appealed to traders from across the state to show an understanding toward the efforts of the association to rid the markets of rats and rodents.
Since its outbreak, lassa fever had killed no fewer than 76 of its victims and over 200 cases across 17 out of the 36 states are quarantined and under observations.
The post Environmental health workers move to end lassa fever in Lagos state appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.