The Edo State Government has warned residents of the state, especially those in areas where Lassa Fever is endemic, against self-medication when they feel feverish.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, urged them to visit medical centres for proper diagnosis.
He said the state government is stepping up awareness of Lassa Fever to mitigate the resurgence of the ailment in the state.
“The state government has embarked on extensive media campaign since reports of the resurgence of the viral disease in some states across the country, informing residents of measures to prevent a resurgence and spread of the ailment,” he said.
He assured that the state government is committed to ensuring that there is no resurgence of Lassa Fever in the State, saying they are working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to mitigate resurgence of the ailment.
” We are also aware that a number of people are prone to elect to self-medicate when they experience symptoms of fever. This is why we are putting this call out there, especially for persons in areas where Lassa Fever is endemic. People should go to the health centres to get proper diagnosis when they feel feverish before they start taking medications.
He said the state government has invested in procuring equipment for managing the ailment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, to ensure that those diagnosed early stand a good chance of survival.