By; Abdull-Azeez Ahmed Kadir, Kaduna.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Tuesday in Kaduna sensitized the general public on dangers of Lassa fever, meningitis and measles with a call on them to always take precautionary measures against the deadly ailments.
According to the agency, these diseases are rampant during dry season and are dangerous to human being.
Speaking at the palace of Village Head of Kawo community located within the Kawo market in igabi Local Government area of Kaduna State, NEMA’s North-West Zonal Coordinator, Musa Ilallah described Lassa Fever as a dangerous disease that infects the blood, liver and other parts of the human body.
“It’s caused by lassa fever virus that is carried mostly by multimamate rats. The disease occurs throughout the year but it is most common during dry season.
“Cholera is another deadly disease that we think our people need to take precaution against. Other diseases are measles and meningitis all are killer diseases that are rampant in dry season.
“We decided to visit this market because it’s one of the important markets in the state. People from different villages and communities visit this market on weekly basis. So we feel it will be best to meet with the traders face to face to educate them on these diseases mentioned above,” he said.
He further added that there are steps to prevent these diseases which include hygiene, ensure proper sanitation, and for people to always wash their hands after using the coveniences.
“People must learn to always cover their dustbins and toilets, they must avoid eating uncovered food. Traders must learn to always wash hands before and after eating.
“For meningitis, they should always sleep in a well ventilated room and not in overcrowded room. They should also maintain proper sanitation and to avoid contact with infected person,” he said.
In his remarks, Village Head of Kawo, Alhaji Yahaya Hassan thanked NEMA for the sensitization against the deadly diseases.
He assured the agency of their support and readiness to help eradicate the diseases, particularly lassa fever.
