Lagos State Government on Thursday urged residents to avoid contact with rats and observe good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent the spread of Lassa fever.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs Adeola Salako, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Health, it also advised the public to dispose their waste properly and clean the environment so that rats would not be attracted.
There has been reports of Lassa Fever outbreak in some States such as Taraba, Niger, Nassarawa, Bauchi, Kano and Rivers States, leaving some people dead and others hospitalised.
Salako said Ensure you store foods in rat proof containers and cook all foods thoroughly before eating.
“Discourage rodents from entering the house by blocking all possible entry points.
“For food manufacturers and handlers, do not spread food where rats can have access to it.
“All fluids from an infected person are extremely dangerous.
“Health workers are also advised to be at alert, wear personal protective equipment, observe universal basic precautions, nurse suspected cases in isolation and report same to the LGA or Ministry of Health immediately.”