Health specialists have taken a fresh fight against Lassa Fever, Meningitis, and Diphtheria to Jigawa State, after a deadly outbreak claimed one life in Babura LGA and left health workers exposed.
Periscope Nigeria gathered that the community campaign comes as Nigeria battles rising cases of Lassa Fever and Diphtheria across several states, with health authorities warning rural communities to stay alert.
It was learnt that the sensitization drive, organised by the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Jigawa State and the National Orientation Agency with UNICEF support, covered Babura, Garu Uku, Muduri, and Jigawar Dan Ali communities in Jigawa state.
Speaking during the flagging off of the sensitisation campaign held on Wednesday at the Babura District Head’s Palace, Babura LGA, the Jigawa State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Sani Ibrahim, said the exercise was urgent.
“The sensitisation became necessary following a reported outbreak of Lassa Fever in Babura which resulted in the death of one person,” the DSNO said.
He added that some health personnel who managed the patient were affected, with some already showing symptoms of the disease.
Ibrahim also disclosed that reports of suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis and Diphtheria had been received in the area.
“Hence the need for urgent community awareness,” he said.
The District Head, Sarkin Bai of Ringim, Muhammad Mustapha, who hosted the event, welcomed the intervention and urged full community support.
“Our people must listen and act on what the health experts are teaching us today,” Muhammad Mustapha said.
He noted that traditional leaders would help spread the message to every household to stop further spread.
During the sensitisation campaign, the Public Health Emergency Officer, Salisu Gali, took participants through how the diseases spread and how to spot them early.
“Lassa Fever, CSM, and Diphtheria show clear signs. Knowing them can save lives,” Gali stated.
He stressed preventive measures, urging residents to keep their environment clean and report symptoms quickly to health centres.
In his part, the PHC Manager of Babura, Lawan Muhammad, warned residents about the role of rats in spreading Lassa Fever.
“Rats are dangerous in spreading Lassa Fever. Avoid bush meat and cover your food always,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that the sensitisation flagge off held at the Babura District Head’s Palace, drawn village heads, ward heads, and community stakeholders from various towns and settlements in the area.
