By Ibrahim Abdul’Aziz

The Adamawa State Government has asked residents of the state to embark on a massive setting of rat traps as one of the measures to prevent Lassa fever disease in the state.

One person was earlier confirmed dead as seven doctors and five nurses were earlier reported to have been quarantined in the state.

Already it also said the state had opened dedicated telephone lines for Lassa fever alert in the state.

Speaking to newsmen on the outbreak of the disease the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Abdullahi Isa, on Tuesday, said that proactive measures were put in place to curtail the spread of the disease.

‘’ Unfortunately, the woman is dead, while the other suspected victims from Yola North, Yola South and Girei were found to be negative.

He said there was the need to be more vigilant as the epidemic had been recorded in many states.

He added that four dedicated lines had been opened for emergency situations as he confirmed that persons both doctor and nurses that were in contact with the late victim were quarantined.

‘’All persons relatives who came into contact with the deceased were being monitored for the next 21 days, this is because for the intervention period lasts 21 days,’’ he said.

Prof. Isa said, to reduce the risk of Lassa fever, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Adamawa State Ministry of Health advised residents to keep their environment clean at all times, block all holes in house to prevent rats from entry, prevailed on the need to eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps and other means.

“Cover your dustbins and dispose of refuse properly. Communities should set up dumpsites very far from their homes to reduce the chances of having rodents within homes.

“Store foodstuff like rice, garri, beans, corn/maize, etc in containers which are well covered with tight-fitting lids

“Avoid drying foodstuff outside on the floor, roadside where it will be exposed to contamination.

“Avoid bush burning which can lead to the displacement of rats from bushes to human dwellings.

“Wash your hands with soap under running water/or use of hand sanitizers when appropriate.

“Any febrile illness that has not responded to 48 hours use of anti-malaria or antibiotics should raise an index of suspicion for Lassa fever.”