NEMA urges for caution against lassa fever, meningitis

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday warned traders on dangers of Lassa fever, meningitis and measles, urging them to always take precaution against the deadly diseases during dry season when the diseases were rampant and also dangerous to human beings.

Its North-west zonal Coordinator, Musa Ilallah, who made the call while addressing the village head of Kawo community within the Kawo market in Kaduna state, described Lassa fever as “a dangerous disease” that affects the blood, liver and other parts of the human body.

He said: “It is a disease caused by Lassa fever virus that is carried mostly by multimamate rats. The disease occurs throughout the year but it’s most common during dry season. Cholera is another deadly disease that we think our people need to take precaution from. Other diseases are measles and meningitis all are killer diseases that are rampant in dry season.

“We decided to visit this market because it’s one of the important markets in the state. People from different villages and communities visit this market on weekly basis. So we feel it will be best to meet with the traders face to face to educate them on these diseases mentioned above.”

The coordinator added that there were steps to prevent these diseases which included ensuring proper sanitation and for people to always wash hands after visiting toilet.

“People must learn to always cover their dust bins and toilets; they must avoid eating uncovered food. Traders must learn to always wash hands before and after eating. For meningitis they should always sleep in a well ventilated room and not in overcrowded room. They should also maintain proper sanitation and to avoid contact with infected person.”

The village head of Kawo, Alhaji Yahaya Hassan, thanked NEMA for the sensitisation against the deadly diseases and assured the agency of their total support and readiness to help eradicate the diseases, particularly Lassa fever.