KWASU sensitises communities over Lassa Fever outbreak
Kwara State University, Malete, on Monday held a sensitization program for market women over the outbreak of Lassa fever in some states in Nigeria.
The program which was held at Malete Market comprised several communities using the market every five days.
The Centre carried out the sensitization through its community health extension unit. The two community health extension workers; Agunbiade Rodiat and Tawakaltu AbdulKadri, while addressing the audience highlighted proactive measures to mitigate contact of the deadly virus. They also educated them on signs and symptoms.
“To avoid contracting the virus, we need to promote good environmental hygiene. You must prevent rodents from entering homes and food stores. For that, you could store grains and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers. It is advisable not to kill rats barehand, use insecticides. Your hands must be washed thoroughly in case of any contact with rats. We must also start disposing of garbage far from the home. You may keep cats as natural predators to rats,” said Mrs Agunbiade Rodiat, Health extension worker Centre for Community Development during the address.
Nigeria has recorded at least over 195 cases of lassa fever and recorded dozens of deaths this year.
While speaking to our reporter, the Coordinator KWASU Centre for Community Development, Lawal Olohungbebe said the university was convinced of the need to sensitise the market women to reduce the chances of outbreak in Kwara State.
“Although no case has been recorded yet, we have to do everything to mitigate it including awareness. The university felt the better the people know about the virus, the lesser the chance of its spread in the state. Interestingly, this is one of our outreach in the centre and it is continuous. The university commitment to advocacy in the community is relentless,” he added.
The university called on the public to maintain good hygiene and be prompt at reporting suspected cases to the nearest health facility in the state.
