Ondo State epidemiologist, Dr. Ayokunle Orimolade, has advocated strict adherence to basic hygiene practices as the best way to ward off infections.
He gave the advice while delivering an awareness lecture on the prevention of infectious diseases in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The lecture was facilitated by the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, ODCHC, according to a statement by the commission’s spokesman, Bisi Agboola.
At the lecture, the epidemiologist stressed the importance of early report of noticeable symptoms of high fever to the nearest government hospital.
He noted that diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, especially lassa fever, is absolutely free ln government hospitals ln the state.
Orimolade also called on the people to keep away food items from rodents, multi breasted rats and cockroaches, which he identified as carriers of infectious diseases including lassa fever.
While giving an insight on how lassa fever crept into Ondo State through the neighbouring Edo State, he commended the quick intervention and proactiveness of the state stakeholders which checked its spread.
He noted that line-tracing and unrelenting medical attention had been helpful in the curtailment of the disease.
Another physician, Dr. 0lusola Phillips, who is in charge of the Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) unit of the ministry spoke on how to guide against the possible contact with infectious diseases.
He listed these to include constant wash of hands, use of Sanitizer, nose cover and maintaining cough etiquette.
Phillips regretted that the majority of people do not adhere to those practices, which they considered to be less important thereby falling victims to infectious diseases.
Earlier in his opening remark, the ODCHC Director General, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, commended the state government for paying priority attention to health related programmes.
He rated Ondo State high among other states of the federation in terms of health development programmes.
Also, he assured that the state government will not relent ln promoting the healthcare needs of the people of the state.
Participants at the lecture
Oyeneyin at the lecture
