Bali LGA Worse Hit With Lassa Fever Outbreak In Taraba

 

For over a decade now, Lassa Fever has consistently unleashed its venom on rural people of Nigeria and Taraba state; a recent outbreak of Lassa Fever in Taraba State has raised concerns among health officials and residents.

 

According to reports, 60 cases of Lassa Fever have been confirmed in the state, with 39 deaths recorded so far.

The outbreak has affected numerous communities in the local government areas of Taraba with Bali Local Government Area being the worst hit. 

 

Deputy State Epidemiologist and Incident Manager for Lassa Fever Dr Sabina Akor confirmed the outbreak and urged residents to take precautionary measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

 

To prevent the spread of the disease, residents have been advised to stop drying food by the roadside, ensure environmental sanitization, and avoid eating rats.

 

Health officials have also urged residents to report any suspected cases of Lassa Fever to the nearest health facility for immediate action. 

 

The state government has provided funds for training and sensitization programs to educate residents on the dangers of the disease.

 

In response to the outbreak, Primary Health Care workers in Bali Local Government Area have been urged to be cautious in discharging their duties. 

 

The District Head of Bali Ward B, Inuwa Mohammed Gidado, advised the health workers to take all necessary protective measures while handling patients with symptoms of Lassa Fever.

 

The outbreak has also prompted calls for increased awareness and education on the disease. To effectively tackle outbreaks of Lassa Fever, the state government should prioritize proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease. 

 

This can be achieved by increasing public awareness and education on the risks and prevention strategies of Lassa Fever. The government should launch comprehensive sensitization programs, utilizing various channels such as media campaigns, community outreach, and school programs. 

 

Additionally, the government should provide adequate resources and funding to support the training and equipping of healthcare workers to handle Lassa Fever cases effectively.

 

Furthermore, the state government should strengthen its surveillance and response systems to rapidly detect and contain outbreaks. This can be achieved by establishing a robust disease surveillance system, enhancing laboratory capacity for prompt diagnosis, and pre-positioning emergency response teams.

 

The government should also collaborate with local authorities, traditional leaders, and community groups to promote environmental sanitation, vector control, and other preventive measures. By taking these proactive steps, the state government can reduce the risk of Lassa Fever outbreaks and mitigate their impact on communities.