Enugu State Government warns residents of bush burning over Lassa Fever spread

The Government of Enugu State has warned residents against bush burning, making a case that the fleeing rodents may cause the spread of Lassa fever disease in homes.

According to Dr. Boniface Okolo, the Director of Public Health, Enugu State Ministry of Health, who made this known in Enugu on Thursday, the fleeing rodents from burning bushes will likely run into homes for safety.

Okolo said, “Bush burning will cause rodents and rats in those bushes to find their ways into residential areas for safety.

“Whenever we burn bushes around us, rats eventually run into our houses. They contaminate our foodstuffs with their secretions, urine, and excretions and this leads to household members contracting Lassa fever.”

The director advised the citizens to maintain proper hygiene in their environments, and always cover all their foodstuffs to prevent rodents from contaminating them.

He also advised the public to fumigate their homes and keep their environments clean.