By Asma’u Ahmad
The Kano state government has strengthened surveillance after recording cases of Cerebral Spinal Meningitis (CSM) and Lassa fever in some local government areas of the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Getso, told newsmen that this has also led to government taking urgent measures to ensure proper control. He said 20 suspected cases of meningitis were reported in eight LGAs, with only four of the cases being confirmed.
Dr. Getso further revealed that the state has also recorded two confirmed cases of Lassa fever in Tudun Wada LGA.“The state government has therefore intensified efforts to control the situation. In line with this, the state government has approved the sum of N19 million to mount an aggressive response to combat these diseases,” he said.
He further revealed that the state has reactivated its Rapid Response Team to respond to such cases, adding that drugs and other items were procured for the team.
“The state government therefore directs all citizens to be vigilant and report cases of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and neck stiffness to the nearest clinics,” the commissioner added.
Dr. Getso also stated that help lines have also been opened to control the situation, just as sensitisation to the diseases’ early signs has also commenced in the media.
He then urged residents to avoid contact with rats by ensuring the safety of their foods as well as observation of the general hygiene of their bodies and environment.
