Heed FG's advice, Lawmaker urges Nigerians

Alhaji Murtala Sodangi of the Nasarawa House of Assembly on Monday urged Nigerians to heed Federal Government’s advice on the Lassa fever virus to halt its spread.

Sodangi (APC-Nasarawa Central Constituency) made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nasarawa town, headquarters of Nasarawa local government area.

He said Nigerians should imbibe and practice what government and other stakeholders have been preaching to halt further spread or reduce the impact of the disease.

"Our role is not only to make good laws for peace, unity, progress and the development of the country.

"We are to advise Nigerians on the need to adhere strictly to positive advice by governments at all levels, for the benefit of all.

"We heard about reported cases of deaths and we have seen how some people contacted and died of Lassa fever, which health experts including the government, have attributed to the virus.

"It can be transmitted to human through contamination of broken skin via direct or indirect contact with infected rat excreta or urine on floors, home surfaces, in food or water.

"And that transmission is also possible where rats are caught and consumed as food.

"I want to appeal to Nigerians to adhere strictly to the government’s advice on the preventive methods by stopping the eating of the rats.

"People should also avoid direct contact with rat, keep food in rat proof containers and must also observe personal and environmental hygiene,’’ the parliamentarian said.

Besides, Sodangi advised people in the state to promptly report to the nearest hospital or health centre any suspected case of Lassa fever for timely professional care in their own interest.