By Joe Adedeji, Ilorin
The Medical Services Director of the University of Ilorin has announced its preparedness to prevent the spread of Lassa Fever to the institution’s community per chance it is recorded in Kwara State.
Director, Medical Services, Dr. AbdulRasheed Adekanye Odunola while featuring on the university’s radio station programme; ‘Table Talk’ said the management has put all hands on deck to prevent Lassa Fever on the varsity campus.
Dr. Odunola stated that though the dreaded disease has not been reported in any part of Kwara State, the University Health Services was fully prepared and had been doing everything towards ensuring that the disease is kept away from the University.
He described the disease as “an active viral hemorrhagic fever”, which incubation lasts between two and 21 days and that it is indigenous to Nigeria.
He disclosed that the disease was first detected in 1969 at a place called Lassa along the border of the present-day Adamawa and Borno States.
Dr. Odunola explained that the viral infection has rat as its natural host and therefore appealed to all to Nigerian citizens to prevent any form of direct or indirect contact with either living or dead rats and its waste products including saliva and feaces to avoid contacting the dreaded disease.
The Medical Director also advised everyone within and outside the campus of the University of Ilorin to cultivate the habit of washing their hands thoroughly with soap and disinfectants using running water intermittently.
This, he said must especially be after using the toilet and before consuming any meal which must have been well-cooked in the first place, to keep the disease away from them.
He disclosed that his office had written to all Hostel Managers in the University campus and other stakeholders on the need to partner the management towards in ensuring that everyone, especially the students are safe.
