As the resurgence of Lassa fever continues to give Nigerians serious cause for concern, Julius Olaniyi Aiyedun, director of the Unilorin Veterinary Teaching Hospital, has advised the general public to practice cleanliness in their everyday activities so as to curb the spread of the dreaded disease.
Aiyedun, a medical doctor who stated this while featuring on a special interview programme of Unilorin 89.3 FM,’Table Talk’, Monday, pointed out that Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease, which was first identified in a town in Borno State named
Lassa in 1969.
According to him, the disease is yet to be reported to have spread to Kwara State let alone the University Community.
The Director emphasised that as much as the disease is deadly, there are some specific measures that can be taken to prevent its spread.
He explains that the major carrier of the infection is rat, pleading with the general public to avoid any form of direct or indirect contact with a dead or alive rat.
Aiyedun, warned against the consumption of bush meat, saying “If we must eat bush meat, we should make sure we cooked it properly as the dreaded virus cannot survive high temperatures that comes from proper cooking of meals”.
The renowned veterinary surgeon encouraged members of the public that keep pets to often take their pets to veterinary hospitals for regular check-up.
Aiyedun, however, commended the University management under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, and professor of Engineering for the favourable attitude towards the Unilorin Veterinary Teaching Hospital by providing the hospital with modern equipment to carry out its duties.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, professor of Engineering, has assured the institution’s College of Health Sciences of his constant and continuous support to take the College to its promised land.
Abdulkareem, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Sylvia Malomo, (Prof), gave the assurance at the New Year Get-Together Party organised by the College.
He hails the College for its effort in training students who are worthy ambassadors of the University around the world.
In his remarks, the Provost of the College, Olanrewaju Adedoyin, (Prof), appreciated the staff members as well as the Medical Elders whom he says mentored him while undergoing his medical training at the same College.
Adedoyin, equally appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his support to the College.
Also speaking, one of the invited Medical Elders, Emanuel Agaja (Prof), expressed his excitement for the products of the College as he declares that he meets them everywhere he goes and that they are all supportive and respectful.
Agaja, advised the senior lecturers to treat the younger doctors and students well, saying, “They are small today but very big tomorrow”.
In his address, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Enoch Afolayan (Prof), expressed his appreciation to the University management and that of the College for their support and effort in making the College a conducive environment for all.
SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin
