The Ogun State Government says it has successfully contained the spread of the deadly Lassa Fever in the state.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, who disclosed this yesterday, said the 20-year old boy, reported to have contacted the virus, is fast recuperating, as his temperature is subsiding.

Briefing news men after the State Executive Council meeting, presided over by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Onanuga, Ipaye said the victim’s 106 primary contacts, have been identified, quarantined and under observation for 21 days, which is the longest incubation period of Lassa.

He added that thermometers have been given to them to monitor their temperature twice daily, noting that the success of the government was achieved through a community initiative, which involved the sensitisation of the people by stakeholders on the importance of personal hygiene.

The State Hospital, Ijaye, and the hospital, where the victim had renal dialysis done, have been decontaminated to prevent further spread, he stated.

The commissioner said that medical officers have been contacted to start with Community Level Mass Mobilisation, through various Local Government Information Officers, who will take up the challenge of educating members of the public, particularly on personal hygiene, environmental hygiene and the need to keep food items safe.

Ipaye also said that surveillance system has been stepped up and the LDRS officers from the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas, have been asked to notify the ministry of any case of fever, that has been treated for more than three days but not responding to treatment.

He however charged residents to keep their food items safe, dispose dirt properly, wash their hands thoroughly and ensure food stuff are not dried outside to prevent rats from coming in contact with them and thereby transmit the virus to humans.

Appealing to health officers to be mindful of universal precaution by treating every case with caution, he urged them to wear necessary protective devices, in order to avoid cases of infection of themselves and others.

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