By SUZAN EDEH
Bauchi—Following the death of about 40 people in 12 states across the country due to Lassa fever, which affected 397 patients, the Bauchi State Government  had taken proactive measures to forestall any possible outbreak of the epidemic in the state.

It said because of the devastating effects of the disease, it had become imperative for health workers and members of the public to take adequate precautions against its transmission.

At a briefing, yesterday, in Bauchi, Commissioner for Health, Dr Sani Malami, said government had started increased vigilance and surveillance through early warning system in collaboration with international partners.

According to Malami, other active measures to be implemented by the ministry of health, include ensuring strict,“isolation precaution” during treatment of infected persons just as the Ministry of Health had ‘’constituted a State Rapid Response Team, SRRT, on the disease headed by Dr. Robison Yusuf”.

Furthermore, Malami added that churches and mosques had been mobilized to enlighten their members on the need to take pre-emptive measures, since vaccines against Lassa fever have not been developed.

Malami pointed out that rats were the main agents of the disease which was usually contracted through faeces and urine or air contaminated with rodent excretion and direct contact with infected human blood and contaminated medical equipment.

He then explained that the SRRT on Lassa fever has been charged with the responsibility of establishing a Lassa Fever testing centre in the state, warning members of the public against allowing rats from entering their homes by ensuring that they fumigate all surroundings and block open routes as well as cover all food items and grain storage facilities.