NOA Alerts Akwa Ibom Residents to Lassa Fever Threat

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Akwa Ibom State Directorate, has expressed concern over the threats posed by tropical diseases, especially Lassa fever on the population and warned the residents to imbibe precautionary measures.

The agency in a proactive move to safeguard the health of the residents against Lassa fever, has intensified sensitisation campaigns across the 31 local government areas of the State.

Its state director, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, who led the preventive campaign against the contagious ailment, appealed to the communities to adopt strict environmental hygiene as the first line of defence against the virus.

During a campaign outreach in Uyo, the state capital, Mkpoutom emphasised that ” Lassa fever is a severe viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to Nigeria, primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feaces of the multimammate rat – (Mastomys natalensis).”
Mkpoutom disclosed that “the disease is preventable through simple, yet consistent, sanitary practices,” and outlined key safety measures that every household and business must adopt to include maintenance of personal and environmental cleanliness, proper food storage, good waste disposal system and maintaining safe water sources among others.

He warned residents to be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience early symptoms of Lassa Fever, which often mimic other illnesses.

Key symptoms, according to him, include high fever and persistent headache, sore throat and muscle aches, general body weakness and fatigue, adding that “in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from the gums, nose, or gastrointestinal tract will be noticed.”

“You cannot afford to treat these symptoms with herbal remedies or at home,” Mr. Mkpoutom warned, maintaining that “early presentation at a health facility increases the chances of survival significantly,” and urged would be victims to “report to the nearest hospital immediately if you or a family member exhibits these signs.”

He called for a “whole-of-society approach,” stating that government efforts alone were insufficient and enjoined the traditional rulers, religious leaders, market women, and youth associations to become vanguards of this public health campaign within their respective domains.

“Prevention is a shared responsibility,” he added. “We are not just disseminating information; we are changing behaviors. By setting up ‘Task Force’ teams in our communities to check the sanitary conditions of our neighborhoods, we can collectively beat this disease.”

As the state faces the challenges of the rainy season which often sees a spike in rodent migration, the NOA boss indulged the citizens that vigilance must remain high, and assured residents that the campaign would be extend to all 31 LGAs by the Chief Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOs) “to ensure no community is left behind.”