By Adewale Sanyaolu
worried by the return of Lassa fever months after it was subdued, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, Ikeja Zone, at the weekend, organized an awareness campaign on Lassa fever.
Led by its Cap’n, Godstime Awoze, they moved from streets within Ikeja and its environs, including the popular Alade Market where residents and market women were sensitized on the need to keep their environment clean and the possible signs to watch out for.
Decked in their white T-shirts on blue jeans and sneakers to match, they distributed leaflets containing vital information and early signs to watch out for in a bid to help citizens take necessary precaution.
The campaign, which was also part of NAS Medical Mission, witnessed personal interaction with residents who asked questions on what steps should be taking in the event of an outbreak.
Awoze explained that the move was in line with the vision of NAS International led by its International President, Arthur Boje Esq, to create awareness on the dangers inherent in the Lassa virus in a bid to stem its rising wave.
He said the cost of preventing the spread of Lassa fever was far cheaper than the cost of treatment that is if the patient survives to tell the story, adding that regular washing of hands, cleaner environment and fumigation of surroundings would help keep rodents in check.
He said the Ikeja Chapter also known as Panama Deck was more than ever committed to ensuring that citizens live a healthier life devoid of sickness and epidemic: “Lassa fever is an acute febrile illness, with bleeding and death in severe cases, caused by the Lassa fever virus with an incubation period of 6-21 days.
“The virus, a member of the virus family Arenaviridae, is zoonotic, or animal-borne. About 80 percent of human infections are without symptoms; the remaining cases have severe multiple organ disease, where the virus affects several organs in the body, such as the liver, spleen and kidneys. Lassa fever is a significant cause of severe illness and death.”