Senate invites Health Minister over Lassa Fever

The Senate today at plenary commend the Minister of Health for his proactive measures taken so far over the outbreak of Lassa fever in some part of the country and invites him and other relevant health agencies to brief them on the outbreak of the disease and how far the ministry has gone in its effort to curb further spread of the disease.

The Senators also urge the Federal Government, Health agencies, non governmental organizations to carry out holistic and aggressive sensitization at markets, restaurants, neighbourhoods, communities, offices and schools and that the public in states affected and those not affected be educated on preventive measures.

The Senators further urged the Federal Government to consider giving out rat killers free of charge to the citizenry to reduce or totally eradicate rats from our environment as the level of poverty in the land will not encourage the purchase of rat killers.

The Senators will want to see Nigerians conscious and adhere to rules of personal hygiene and put in more effort to get rid of rodents and rats from our environment to prevent the spread of the disease and report any case of persistent high fever not responding to standard treatment for malaria and typhoid fever to the nearest health centre.

Charles Akpan

Head, Press and Public Relations