The Kano State Government has announced an emergency rat eradication exercise in Garun Malam Local Government Area following the confirmation of a Lassa fever outbreak that claimed the life of a local resident.
According to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the decision was taken as part of urgent efforts to curb the spread of the disease and protect the health of the population. Speaking in a statement released on Thursday, Dr. Yusuf confirmed that the victim’s husband and one of her children have tested positive for the virus, raising concerns of further transmission within the community.
“All individuals who had contact with the deceased, including her husband and healthcare workers who treated her, have been placed under isolation,” Dr. Yusuf said.
He explained that the move to kill rats in the affected areas is a vital step in containing the outbreak, as rats are known carriers of the Lassa virus.
The government also warned hunters and residents to avoid hunting or handling rats, stressing that such practices increase the risk of spreading the disease. Authorities advised the public to maintain high standards of hygiene and to promptly report any suspected symptoms of Lassa fever to nearby health facilities.
Dr. Yusuf further urged healthcare workers across the state to adhere strictly to infection prevention protocols when dealing with suspected or confirmed cases of the disease.
The Ministry of Health reassured residents that it is fully mobilized to respond to the outbreak and minimize its impact.
