LASSA FEVER: NMA WARNS OF RISING GARBAGE AND RATS IN CALABAR

Dr Felix Archibong, Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association in Cross River State, has raised the alarm about the recurrence of trash and the subsequent rise of rats in portions of Calabar, the state capital.

He attributed the reappearance of Lassa fever in the state to increased and indiscriminate garbage disposal, as well as the presence of a significant number of rats.

It should be noted that the World Health Organization, WHO, and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, recently reported an increase in Lassa Fever cases in several sections of the country.

Archibong said on Wednesday that the incidence of Lassa virus is due to inadequate environmental cleanliness in the state.

"We have been raising awareness in the State about the increasing waste that litter the city centres. Calabar which was known for its green and clean nature, is now a centre for filth and rats. We have also raised awareness on how to avert the attendant diseases. There are now many rats. Best thing first is to 

eliminate these rats.

"Lassa Fever is very fatal, meaning that it kills very fast. We should not allow it to spread to everybody.

According to him, Lassa fever is primarily caused by human waste, contaminated foods and water.

Archibong urged sanitation officials to assist society by cleaning and evacuating garbage on a regular basis in order to prevent epidemics of more serious diseases.

"We should always cover our foods, keep our environment clean and kill all rats at sight.

"Families have to be very careful with rat poisons so that children don't go and ingest them.

"The common way of eliminating rats used to be keeping cats in the homes but it appears many people don't like them."

Archibong urged sanitation officials to assist society by cleaning and evacuating garbage on a regular basis in order to prevent epidemics of more serious diseases.