Emmanuel Ukudolo
January 25, 2016 – Then Lagos State Government has declared total war on rodents especially rats, killing over 7,243 rats in the metropolis since the outbreak Lassa fever.
President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Samuel Akingbehin revealed this while speaking at the sensitisation campaign of the state health workers, organised by the state’ Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs Monday evening.
He said his association had so far carried out anti-rodent exercise in eight Local Councils in the state.
According to him, the de-rating exercise in Onigbongbo, Oshodi, Oke-Odo, Ikotun Idanwo, Ojuwoye and Mile 12, Alaba-Rago, markets had led to the death of 7,243 rats in the process.
He said eradicating rats in the markets was part of the Environmental Health Officers’ efforts to curb the spread of Lassa fever in the state, saying the officers have commenced the programme since January 14, 2016.
“We are not resting on our oars. We have been killing them with rodenticides. The exercise is strategic and it is our effort toward the prevention of communicable disease. We decided to put the exercise in the evening due to the nocturnal nature of rodents and our members had recorded successes in the markets visited till date.
“It took us about three hours to cover the Oshodi Market when our members went there for the exercise. This Monday, we will be visiting Suru-Alaba Market in Orile-Ifelodun LCDA by 6pm with about 400 EHOs to de-rat the market. All rats in the state must die,” he said.
In his address at the sensitisation campaign, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Muslim Folami had informed that some of the steps to be taken to prevent the spread of Lassa fever is to avoid contacts with rats.
“We should avoid contacts with rats, ensure proper collection and disposal of waste, cover all foods including left-overs and water properly. Wash our hands properly before and after cooking of foods, block all rat hideouts and store food items in rodent-proof containers.”
Folami added that Lagos State being a pro-active and responsive government has provided drugs and other materials that have been prepositioned at designated facilities across the state.
