Ensuring proper hygiene essential to protecting lives — KWEPA warns food vendors over lassa fever risk

The Kwara State Government has stepped up precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of Lassa fever, with the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) issuing a stern warning to food processors, garri production centres, and street food vendors to adhere strictly to hygiene and waste management standards.

The General Manager of KWEPA, Hon. Jide Aina, expressed concern over environmental practices that could heighten the risk of the viral disease, which is commonly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or consumption of food contaminated by rodent urine or droppings.

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Press Secretary Aliu Jamiu Amode, KWEPA GM stressed that food handlers play a crucial role in safeguarding public health, particularly in preventing contamination during food processing, storage, and sales.

Hon. Aina also directed garri processing factories and other food production facilities to store both raw materials and finished products in rodent-proof containers at all times. He also emphasised the need for regular cleaning of processing equipment and facilities, as well as proper waste disposal to prevent rodent infestation.

The KWEPA boss further cautioned street food vendors against unsafe practices such as displaying or spreading food on bare ground, roadsides, or other exposed surfaces. He urged vendors to always cover food items, maintain proper personal hygiene, wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, and dispose of refuse responsibly instead of dumping waste in drainage channels or public spaces.

He outlined additional preventive measures, including maintaining clean surroundings around business premises, using safe water for food preparation, and properly handling and discarding food packaging materials.

Hon. Aina disclosed that KWEPA would intensify routine inspections and enforcement activities across the state, warning that violators would face sanctions in line with environmental health regulations.

“Ensuring proper hygiene and waste management is not optional; it is essential to protecting lives. Together, we can drastically prevent the risk of Lassa fever and promote a healthier Kwara State,” he said.

He called on food business operators and residents to take collective responsibility in maintaining environmental cleanliness, noting that proactive action from all stakeholders is critical to keeping Kwara State free from Lassa fever.