As the nation battles the resurgence of Lassa fever, the University of Ilorin management says the institution is taking stringent steps to ensure that the dreaded disease does not spread to the University campus and community at large.
Abdulrasheed Adekanye Odunola, a medical doctor and director, Medical Services, University of Ilorin, who stated this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists disclosed that though, the dreaded disease has not been reported in any part of Kwara State, the University Health Service, as a responsive and responsible outfit, committed to the well-being of members of the University community.
Adding that the institution’s Health Unit is fully prepared and has been doing everything towards ensuring that the disease is kept away from the shores of the nation’s most sought-after University.
The director described the disease as “an active viral hemorrhagic fever”, which incubation lasts between two and 21 days and is indigenous to Nigeria.
He says that it was first detected in 1969 at a place called Lassa along the border of the present-day Adamawa and Borno States.
Odunola, has while explaining that the viral infection has rat as its natural host, appealed to all to prevent any form of direct or indirect contact between them and either a living or dead rat and its waste products including saliva and feces to avoid contacting the dreaded disease.
He also advised everyone to cultivate the habit of washing their hands thoroughly with soap and disinfectants and in running water intermittently and most especially after using the toilet and before consuming any meal which must have been well-cooked to keep the disease far away from them.
Odunola, counseled the health workers generally to cultivate the use of gloves while on duty and frequent washing of their hands with hand sanitizer or soap, and general the public to visit the nearest hospital if they notice any of the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever.
The medical practitioner disclosed that his office had already written to all Hostel Managers in the University campus and other stakeholders on the need to partner the management towards ensuring that everyone, especially the students are safe. Adding that, he has also held series of meetings with the officials of the University Students’ Union and its Health Committee to ensure that every hand is on deck to prevent the spread of the disease.
The director, however, commended the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, professor of Chemical Engineering for the support of his administration towards the proper re-positioning of the University Health Services.
The administration according to him has made more money available for the procurement of more equipment and drugs for the prompt medical welfare of staff and students, which, he says is accounting to the greater number of patients patronising the Medical Center for various services including maternity.
Odunola revealed that arrangement had been concluded to provide more bed spaces to facilitate the admission of staff into the facility where and when necessary, assuring that the Unit will raise awareness on the deadly disease among the staff and students of the University.
SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin
