Lassa Fever: Group Urges Residents to Avoid Contact with Rats in Nasarawa

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has urged residents in Nasarawa state to avoid rats in order to prevent Lassa fever.

The National President of NACOMYO, Alhaji Kamal’ddin Akintunde, said that the call had become imperative due to the effects of Lassa fever on human health and the socio-economic development of the country.

“The awareness was aimed at complementing government efforts in bettering the health needs of the people of the state and Nigerians at large, we heard reported cases of death and we even have seen how some people contacted and died of Lassa fever not only in Nasarawa state but also in some parts of the country.

“That is why I said that the Lassa fever awareness campaign in rural communities is timely. The virus can be transmitted to human through contamination of broken skin via direct or indirect contact with infected rat excreta or urine on floors, home surfaces, in food or water.

“Nigerians should improve on their environment sanitation and personal hygiene so as to avoid spreading of diseases,’’ he said.

Akintunde also call on wealthy individuals and organisations to assist the government through initiating people oriented programmes, adding that government alone cannot do everything for its citizens.