TO curb the spread of Lassa fever, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Oshodi-Isolo Local Council in Lagos, on Tuesday, sensitised traders on preventive measures to be taken against the disease, urging them to maintain proper hygiene and be wary of foodstuffs contaminated by rats.
The exercise, which kicked off at the local council headquarters and terminated at the Arena Shopping Complex, was aimed at creating awareness and educating traders as well as residents on the spread of the Lassa fever, its symptoms and preventive measures.
The President of the Information and Technology (IT) and Education Community Development group, Ms Ikemere Ogechi, a 2015 Batch A NYSC member, said the exercise was important because many traders were not aware of the disease, its spread and how to identify symptoms of the disease in an infected person.
She said: “Lassa fever is as deadly as Ebola. We must not allow it to spread. We must inform the people on how to stay safe and prevent the disease from spreading.
“Some people are careless with their foodstuffs. It is important they know that this period calls for vigilance. Rats are the main vectors of this disease. So, anything that may be contaminated by rats should be kept carefully either at home or in the markets.”
She added that from interacting with the market women, it was obvious that many of them were just hearing of the disease for the first time and more aggressive awareness campaign is needed to spread the word on the disease to other markets across the country.
Another NYSC member, Harrison Adu said the exercise would go a long way in equipping traders with the right knowledge on the disease so that they would not be easily swayed by rumours.
Noting that many traders embrace information on the disease and were willing to adopt new habits till the outbreak abated,.He asked the government officials to intensify their efforts at educating market women and artisans, who might not have access to mass media channels on the spread and prevention of Lassa fever.
“Though many of these traders are surprised to hear that soaking garri might increase the chances of contracting Lassa fever, it is important that they desist from any contact with rats. We must defeat Lassa fever with the same vigour we defeated Ebola,” he said.
