Lassa Fever Scourge: Health Officers Declare War On Rats, Kill 4,400 In 6 Lagos Markets

The Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), Lagos State Chapter, on Monday said that it had killed 4,400 rats at six major markets in the state under its ‘de-rat market programme.’ Its president, Mr Samuel Akingbehin, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his association carried out the exercise at Onigongbo, Oshodi , Oke-Odo,Ikotun Idanwo, Ojuwoye and Mile 12 Markets. He said that de-rating the markets was part of the association’s efforts to curb the spread of Lassa fever in the state.

“The exercise is strategic in our effort toward the prevention of communicable diseases,’’ he said. It was gathered that this was part of efforts by the public and relevant agencies to de-rat markets that were the causes of the Lassa fever that had broken out in many states. Akingbehin appealed to traders from across the state to show understanding toward the efforts of the association to rid the markets of rats and rodents. He said that the plan was to de-rat markets in one local government area per day starting from 5p.m.

‘‘The association decided on this time to allow traders and buyers transact their legitimate businesses. We also 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,’’ he said.