LASSA FEVER: WHO CALLS FOR INTENSIVE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday urged governments at all levels to intensify public awareness campaigns on Lassa fever in the rural areas.

Mrs. Faith Irehi, WHO Coordinator in Edo, made the call during a sensitisation campaign on Lassa fever in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

“Following the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in Etsako West and other parts of the country, governments need to sensitise the public on the need to maintain good personal hygiene, especially in the rural areas.

She also advised communities to improve on their hygiene level and protect their foods from the excreta and urine of rodents, particularly the `Natal Multimammate’ mouse.

The `Natal Multimammate’ specie of mouse was found to be the natural host of the Lassa fever virus.

The WHO coordinator cautioned people against bush burning and spreading `garri’ outside, saying that this was common with people living in the rural areas.