By Esseh Ikora
Akwa Ibom state government has commenced intensive sensitization campaign in communities and health institutions across the state as part of the preventive measures to check the spread of lassa fever virus into the state.
The state Ministry of health, Dr Dominic Ukpong, in press statement issued over the weekend and signed by the commissioner for health, the ministry alerted residents of the state of the outbreak of Lassa fever in parts of the country which has led to the death of a number of Nigerians especially Medical Doctors and other health workers.
Dr Ukpong stated that, “Though there hasn’t been any recorded case in Akwa Ibom state, there is a need for all health workers to have a high index of suspicion when they examine patients with signs and symptoms similar to those of Lassa fever.
“Other members of the public are also advised to adopt adequate preventive measures to avoid contracting this deadly disease.”
Ukpong explained that, Lassa fever occurs in all age groups irrespective of gender, noting that Persons at greatest risk are those living in rural areas where the rats that transmits the virus are usually found, especially where there is poor sanitation or crowded living conditions and health workers with a poor index of suspicion.
The Lassa fever virus he disclosed is transmitted by rats even though they might not show symptoms of the disease, but they shed the virus freely in urine, droppings and secrete the virus in their saliva.
The health commissioner further explained that the transmission from rat to man occurs through direct contact with rat urine, faeces and saliva when in contact with excretion or secretion or infected materials or via ingestion of excretion contaminated food.
He directed that,”all suspected cases should be admitted to isolation facilities. Hospital transmission occurs through inadequate infection control measures. Strict isolation of cases and procedures for handling body fluids and excreta must be maintained.”
He advised health workers to put in place adequate infection prevention measures and barrier nursing in their health facilities.
He assured that, “as a government, we will carry out community, clinicians and other health workers sensitization in all the Local Government Areas of the state.
“With these measures, we can prevent Lassa fever and hence reduce the morbidity and mortality resulting from this deadly disease.”
