Osun: Lassa Fever Campaign Hits Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency

…storms religious centres and market places

In continuation of its campaign against the spread of Lassa Fever, the State Government of Osun has taken the campaign against the deadly virus to the door steps of the people in Ijesa North Federal constituency.

The sensitisation campaign with its theme: “Osun says No to Lassa Fever’’ was organised by the office of the Special Adviser on Public Health in conjuction with Obokun and Oriade local governments.

Leading the sensitization campaign, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Olasiji Olamiju, said the campaign became necessary because the the two local governments which made up the federal constituency shared boarders with Ondo, a neighbouring State where about 20 victims have reportedly died of the virus and many others in critical conditions.

According to the Consultant Public Health Pharmacist, the sensitisation/awareness campaign was meant to educate the people on the existence of Lassa fever and ways to prevent it.

Dr. Olamiju said Ondo had been one of the worst hit states by the Lassa Fever virus, which this federal constituency shared about four boarders with, adding that this informed the decision of the government to centre its campaign around the area.

“We are here in Obokun/Oriade federal constituency to intensify our campaign against Lassa fever because this federal constituency shared about four boarders with Ondo where high cases of this virus was recorded.

“The sensitisation campaign becomes imperative so as to educate the people on the danger of Lassa fever and to get the prevention message to them at the grassroots,’’ he said.

Olamiju urged all the traders at Ijebu-Jesa,
Egbeda, Otan-ile, Imesi, Ilase and Owena markets, which were the market places visited by the campaign team, to be wary of rats making contacts with raw foodstuff.

He cautioned people against bush burning and spreading ‘Garri’ outside, adding that this was common with the people living in the rural areas.

“We advise people living in this community to report suspected cases and symptoms such as high fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, bleedings from the mouth and other body orifices or not responding to standard treatment for malaria and typhoid fever to the nearest health centre closer to them,’’ he said.

Dr Olamiju warned that, there is another deadly disease called ‘coronavirus’ which has killed atleast 304 people in China only, adding that signs of infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

“Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing”, Olamiju concluded.

The campaign train also visited, Methodist church of Nigeria, Imesi-Ile, St Paul Anglican church, Christ Apostolic church and St Mary Anglican church all in Ipetu-Ijesa.

On the campaign train are, Chairman Oriade local government, Honourable Bunmi Obeisun; Chairman Oriade South LCDA, Hon. Felix Aboge; Obokun APC Chairman, Hon. Oladimeji Olamiju; Oriade South APC Chairman, Hon. Ajewole Gbenga Golo; Hon. Rufus Oluwatayo, among others.

Read Also:Osun Government Sensitizes Market Women, Traders On Lassa Fever