Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Rats: primary carriers of Lassa fever virus
AS part of its proactive measures against the spread of Lassa fever in the state, the Delta State Government has commenced the fumigation and de-ratting of Ogbeogonogo Modern Market in Asaba, the state capital.
The State Commissioner for Environment, John Nani, said that the on-going exercise will extend to Warri, Sapele and other populous strategic areas, especially the commercial centres across the state.
He noted that the ministry started the exercise with sensitization, a process which he said is still on-going, adding that the proactive measures employed by the state government was in line with the state government’s policy thrust.
The commissioner, who monitored the exercise, said similar proactive mechanism was employed during the flood disasters experienced across the nation, ant the measures saved the state from catastrophe.
Nani assured Deltans and the business community operating in the state of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s readiness to create a conducive environment for the enhancement of the growth and development of the state.
He expressed satisfaction with the exercise which began during the late hours of Wednesday, after the close of the market with the fumigation of Ogbeogonogo Market in order to eliminate the rats there.
The exercise successfully resulted in the death of many rats, rodents and cats in the premises, and to prevent what one of the experts in the fumigation industry handling the exercise, Mr. Benson Oluwasegun, described as prevention of ‘secondary poisoning’ the fumigation exercise became inevitable.
The fumigation of the market, according to him, will kill the flies, in the process preventing them from spreading poisonous or harmful substances after perching on any dead rat, adding that the ministry has put in place an effective measure to ensure the effective disposal of the dead animals after the exercise.
He commended the state government for taking such proactive safety measures.
Lassa fever: Delta State fumigates major markets
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