Following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Ebonyi State, the Delta State government has advised its citizens not to panic, saying it has activated the Emergency Response Team comprising the State Epidemiologist, State Disease Surveillance Notification Officer,DSNO and Patrol Health Personnel who are looking out for the basic signs and symptoms and will refer to the nearest Primary Health Centre in the 25 Local Government Areas as part of measures to curtail any reported case of disease in the State.
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge gave the advice in a chat with newsmen in Asaba.
Azinge applauded the efforts of the Delta State Governor, Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa in ensuring that Delta State is free from Lassa fever scourge or any other infectious disease that may want to threaten the health and well-being of residents of the State.
The Commissioner assured residents of the State of government’s readiness and commitment to a Lassa free State, adding that the various health authorities are fully prepared as they have been taught severally what symptoms to look out for such as coughing, vomiting and bleeding which occur at the advanced stage.
Azinge reiterated that Lassa fever is a viral disease which does not have cure but is self limiting, hence the importance placed on prevention through proper personal hygiene and sanitation.
According to him,”People should not wait for bleeding to occur before seeking medical attention, but be quick to report to any nearby health centre when fever persists after malaria/typhoid treatments” stressing that early detection remains very important.
Azinge also commended the Ministry of Environment and the Waste Management Board who are doing their best in ensuring a cleaner environment free of rodents’ infestation adding that residents should not leave sanitation to government alone; and called for more sensitization to be done so that residents are fully aware of proper waste handling and disposal.
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