Lassa fever: Kwara to screen visitors towards prevention

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara state has directed screening of persons coming into the state through airport and land borders as part of preventive measures against the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Monday as regards measures being put in place by the government to forestall the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, the state commissioner for Health, Dr. Raji Razak, said the state government has also completed construction of Lassa fever treatment isolation centre at the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin.

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The commissioner, who said that there has been no case of Lassa fever in the state, added that the completed isolation centre in the state is the third of its kind in the country.

He said that Governor Abdulrazaq has liaised with the airport and border authorities on the issue of screening and surveillance of visitors to the state, adding that health officers have also been advised to adhere strictly to standard precaution while providing care.

He also said that the government has resuscitated its epidemic preparedness and response committee; rapid response team and incident command system, also activated at the state emergency operation centre to coordinate preparedness activities in the state, using a national algorithm.

“The state had a dedicated budget line for disease surveillance (Lassa fever and other epidemic-prone diseases), risk communication/public awareness and other preparedness/response activities.

“Availability of surveillance focal person at health facilities (both public and private) for reporting of cases to respective surveillance officers at various LGAs at the state level. The state will intensify risk communication activities and shall promote and ensure safe and dignify burial practices for patients who die from Lassa fever”, he said.

The commissioner also assured residents of the government’s commitment to safe healthcare, saying they should not panic but go about their normal business activities.