Nigerian state on high alert against Lassa fever, meningitis

Nigeria's northwest Kano State government on Thursday alerted the people living in the state to be vigilant and embrace basic hygiene after recording cases of cerebral spinal meningitis (CSM) and Lassa fever in part of the state.

State Commissioner for Health, Kabiru Getso, told newsmen that it has strengthened surveillance in some local government areas (LGAs).

This has also led to government taking urgent measures to ensure proper control, he added, noting that 20 suspected cases of meningitis were reported in eight LGAs, with only four of the cases being confirmed.

He said the state has reactivated its Rapid Response Team to respond to such cases, adding that drugs and other items were procured for the team.

The government also directs all citizens to be vigilant and report cases of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and neck stiffness to the nearest clinics, he added.

Getso added that help lines have also been opened to control the situation, just as sensitization to the diseases' early signs has also commenced in the media.

The commissioner urged residents to avoid contact with rats by ensuring the safety of their foods as well as observation of the general hygiene of their bodies and environment. Endit