A team of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has arrived in Ondo State to tackle the increasing cases of Lassa fever in the region.
Addressing state government officials during a meeting, the leader of the NCDC team, Dr. Olubunmi Olopha, stated that the team was deployed to provide necessary support in response to the outbreak.
Olopha revealed that of the approximately 200 suspected cases reported, fewer than 90 have been confirmed.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the NCDC and the state government to effectively combat the disease.
Dr. Olopha urged healthcare providers to promptly refer suspected cases to appropriate facilities to reduce fatalities associated with the disease.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Head of Civil Service, Bayo Philip, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Lassa fever and other diseases.
He called on the state Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment, alongside other relevant agencies, to urgently implement proactive measures to curb the annual recurrence of the disease.
Philip also emphasized the importance of involving private healthcare practitioners in efforts to combat the outbreak.
He further appealed to traditional rulers and religious leaders to collaborate with the government in encouraging residents to adopt proper hygiene practices, particularly in the handling of food items.