Nasarawa State commissioner urges residents to avoid rat, keep environment clean

Dr Daniel Iya, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health has appealed to residents of the state to stay away from rats to avoid contracting Lassa fever.

The commissioner, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lafia, also stressed the need to keep the environment clean.

NAN recalls that on Jan. 16, Iya confirmed four people dead out of 16 cases of Lassa fever reported in the state.

The commissioner said that avoiding rats and keeping the environment clean were sure ways of checking the spread of Lassa fever.

“ had done well and is still doing his best in improving on the health and living condition of the people of the state, that is why he built many hospitals with modern facilities across the state."

“Since the state government is spending huge amount of money in the health sector, I want to advise our citizens to keep their environment clean."

“Lassa fever can be transmitted through contact with infected persons or through infected rat excreta or urine on floors, food, water and where rats are caught and consumed as food."

“Keeping our environment clean and maintaining personal hygiene will help in preventing diseases,’’ he said.