How to prevent Lassa fever

At least 41 people have been reported dead in 10 Nigerian states following the outbreak of Lassa Haemorrhagic Fever (LHF), otherwise known as Lassa Fever.

Just when the country and West Africa countries in general are moving past the Ebola epidemic, which killed in thousands, Lassa fever seems to be the new killer the government and citizens have to jointly combat before it rips through many towns and cities.

With the affected states Bauchi, Nassarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Oyo, still recording cases, Nigeria may be looking at a major disaster if public sensitisation is not heightened.

In view of the utmost urgency to suppress the spread of Lassa Fever, Promise News puts together five ways to prevent the virus.

1. Avoiding contact with rats.

2. Keeping your home clean, it helps to discourage rats from entering or making it their abode.

3. Avoiding contact with secretions of Lassa fever patients - wear protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles.

4. Isolating infected patients from contact with unprotected persons until the disease has run its  course.

5. Educating people in high-risk areas about ways to decrease rat populations in their homes will aid in the control and prevention of disease.