Lassa Fever/Coronavirus: Biosafety Agency Gives Instructions To Nigerians

By Chuks Ekpeneru

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Rufus Ebegba has enjoined the general public to be alert over the outbreak of Lassa Fever virus in some states of the country.

A statement from NBMA signed by Head, Press, Gloria Ogbaki quoted the DG as saying the Agency is working with line ministries, departments and agencies to ensure that every harmful biological agent is contained and eliminated.

“The Agency is working assiduously with sister Agencies to ensure that the spread of Lassa fever and any other disease caused by biological agent is contained and not allowed to cause any more harm to humans and the environment,” Ebegba said.

He urged the general public to be vigilant and to take necessary protective measures such as avoiding contact with rats, block all rat hideouts, store foodstuffs in rodent proof containers, cook all foods thoroughly, always wash hands thoroughly after contact with a sick person, noting that some of the symptoms of Lassa fever includes: fever, headache, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and severe cases of bleeding from the mouth and other body openings.

“He also urged Nigerians not to panic as the government is doing all within its power to ensure that the deadly corona virus is not allowed into the country.

“This virus is a type of coronavirus, it can affect the lungs and symptoms include common colds and flu and can spread person to person by coughing and sneezing. Its symptoms include difficulty in breathing, fever and coughing and can lead to organ failure, pneumonia and death. The best way to combat it is to avoid close contact with people who might be sick or carrying it.

“The federal government is making very swift moves to ensure that the lasa fever virus is properly contained while ensuring that the corona virus does not come into our borders”. He said

The DG advised citizens to avoid countries already confirmed to have cases of corona virus.

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