The National Centre for Disease Control has sent a team of experts to Ondo State to tackle the increasing cases of Lassa fever in the region.
The leader of the NCDC team, Dr. Olubunmi Olopha, announced this during a meeting with state government officials.
She revealed that the team was deployed to support the state in fighting the outbreak, which has claimed lives and affected many residents.
“Less than 90 out of about 200 suspected cases have been confirmed since the outbreak,” Olopha said. She added that the NCDC is working closely with the state government to manage the crisis.
Olopha also urged healthcare providers to act quickly by referring suspected Lassa fever cases to appropriate health facilities. She emphasized that timely intervention could save lives and reduce the disease’s death toll.
The Head of Service in Ondo State, Bayo Philip, reassured residents of the government’s dedication to tackling the outbreak. “The government is committed to winning the fight against Lassa fever and other diseases in the state,” Philip stated.
He called on the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment, as well as other agencies, to create proactive measures to prevent the yearly reoccurrence of the disease.
Philip also emphasized the importance of involving private health practitioners in the fight against Lassa fever. Additionally, he appealed to traditional rulers and religious leaders to educate residents about proper hygiene and safe food handling practices to reduce the spread of the disease.
The outbreak has reportedly led to 75 deaths and 355 confirmed cases nationwide, according to recent data from the NCDC.
With the NCDC’s involvement and the government’s proactive measures, it is hoped that the spread of Lassa fever will be controlled, protecting the lives of Ondo State residents.
