The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Akwa Ibom State Directorate, has warned residents about the dangers of tropical diseases, especially Lassa fever, and urged them to take preventive measures.
The agency has intensified sensitisation campaigns across the 31 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to protect residents from the disease.
The State Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, who led the campaign in Uyo, called on residents to maintain strict environmental hygiene to reduce the risk of Lassa fever.
Speaking during the campaign outreach, Mkpoutom explained that Lassa fever is a serious viral disease mainly spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of the multimammate rat, Mastomys natalensis.
He said the disease could be prevented through simple and regular hygiene practices.
“Lassa fever is a severe viral haemorrhagic illness endemic to Nigeria, primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of the multimammate rat,” he said.
Mkpoutom urged households and businesses to keep their surroundings clean, store food properly, dispose of waste correctly and maintain safe water sources.
He also advised residents to seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms associated with Lassa fever.
According to him, common symptoms include high fever, persistent headache, sore throat, muscle aches, weakness and fatigue.
He added that severe cases could lead to unexplained bleeding from the gums, nose or gastrointestinal tract.
“You cannot afford to treat these symptoms with herbal remedies or at home,” Mkpoutom warned.
He stressed that early treatment could greatly improve a patient’s chances of survival, urging residents to report to the nearest health facility if they or a family member develop the symptoms.
The NOA boss also called for a collective effort involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, market women and youth groups to strengthen the campaign against the disease.
“Prevention is a shared responsibility. We are not just disseminating information; we are changing behaviours,” he said.
Mkpoutom suggested the creation of community task force teams to monitor sanitation and promote clean environments.
With the rainy season often bringing increased rodent movement, he urged residents to remain vigilant.
He assured the people that the sensitisation campaign would be extended to all 31 local government areas through the agency’s Chief Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs), to ensure that no community is left behind.
