Nigeria: FCTA Increases Awareness On Lassa Fever, Bird Flu

The Health and Human Services Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has stepped up Lassa fever disease surveillance activities in all area councils of the FCT. The action, according to the secretariat's acting secretary, Mrs. Odey A.I. Achu, is part of measures taken by the Secretariat and Department of Public Health at preventing the spread of Lassa fever to the territory.

She said the secretariat has notified all the FCT disease control, disease surveillance and disease notification officers in the six area councils of the urgent need to step up disease surveillance within their various localities, especially at the border communities. She explained that the health departments' head in the area councils have also been engaged on the need to step up sensitization in the communities especially in the markets, motor parks, and religious centres. While she reiterated the commitment of the secretariat to keeping the territory free from Lassa fever, she advised residents to "set traps in and around the houses to reduce rat population." Similarly, the Agric. & Rural Development Secretariat has released hotlines in event of suspected cases of Avian bird flu influenza in the territory. The telephone numbers are: 08032977193, 08035922291, 08037869998. A press release signed by the Head, Public Relations Unit, FCT Agric. & Rural Development Secretariat, Mr Zakari Aliyu yesterday acknowledged that cases of Avian bird flu influenza have been recorded in Kuje and Gwagalada area councils. He called on residents to remain calm, as government has done all that needs be done to contain the incident in the territory. Ag. Director, Admin & Finance, FCT Agric & Rural Development Secretariat, Dr. Musa Aliyu was quoted as saying the affected farms have been quarantined for depopulation and disinfection. This is to ensure that the disease does not spread beyond the affected farms. According to the statement, the secretariat has embarked on sensitization campaign to create awareness on the signs and symptoms of the disease in birds and the steps that can be taken against them. Farm owners were advised on use of gloves to handle birds, restrict movement of people and equipment between farms as well as disinfect all equipment after use.

 

Source: All Africa News