Ondo govt dole out rat poison to fight Lassa fever

The Ondo state ministry of health has called on residents to become more conscious of the spread of the deadly Lassa Fever disease which claimed more lives than COVID-19 in 2020 in Nigeria.

The call was made at a sensitization program organized by the ministry on the eradication of Lassa fever, which held at Ayede-Ogese.

The acting state commissioner for health, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye, said there is an urgent need to tackle the fever which has gained ground within Ose, Owo and Akure north LGA.

He added that the government has decided to dole out free rat poisons to the community to fight the disease.

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The state epidemiologist, Dr Stephen Fagbemi, represented by Dr Zacaraha Gbelela, said statistics show that Ondo state has the highest reported cases of the disease in the country.

He listed keeping a clean environment, clearing surrounding bushes, using rat poison and proper storage of food items as steps to prevent Lassa fever.

Rat poisons and sensitization t-shirts were among items that were distributed to the residents of the community who expressed their delight with the initiative.

Ondo state tops the list of the state affected by Lassa fever with 36 percent,  followed by Edo with 32% and Eboyin state, 7 percent.